BINGLEY’S hardest-working shopkeeper has retired after 26 years behind her till - after only taking Christmas Days off.

Aysha Mangera, her husband Suleman and their family took over a small newsagents on the Poplar House parade of shops, in Bradford Road, and originally lived in the property next door.

And Mrs Mangera set to work building the business and never stopped, said her son Ahmed, who has worked beside her for some 17 years, straight after he left nearby Beckfoot School.

“It was only a small shop when we started, but we then expanded into what was our home and doubled the size of it,” Mr Ahmed said.

“Mum’s retiring and is really upset about saying goodbye to all our customers who have become more like family over the years.

“I went to Beckfoot and have seen all my schoolfriends come in, grow up and now have families and children of their own.

“My mum has worked every day, my dad still does the early 5.30am starts and the only day we ever close is Christmas Day.

“Even when it’s our own festivals like Ramadan or Eid, we just work through solidly without a break.”

“This is all very hard for my mum, but she is definitely retiring and we are going to have a good rest, switch off and have a lot of family time.”

The business became a franchised Spar shop five years ago and has now been sold to McColls, who are re-branding the popular convenience store.

On the brink of tears, Mrs Mangera declined to be pictured, but thanked all her customers and said: “It’s very, very sad to go, I shall miss everyone.”

And some of those customers organised a surprise farewell party on Sunday, when local residents came to the shop with goodwill gifts.

“They are such lovely people and will be missed,” said customer Sarah Walton.

“At Christmas they have sweets and presents for children and give away calendars and they really do know everyone.”

Bingley Town Councillor Joe Wheatley’s family live nearby and he said: “They’ve been an integral part of the community and I can’t think of anyone who deserves a proper holiday more than them.

“They will be genuinely missed.

“Aysha knew my grandparents and uncle and whenever you went in she was always a warm, welcoming face who asked how everyone was. It will be a shame to see them go.”

Ward Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said: “Their attitude is an example to us all.

“Independent traders who’ve built a business - and what a work ethic!”