A couple who run a bakery are set to retire, and joke that they'll have to carry on baking their own bread.

Malcolm, 66, and Beryl Rowland have run the successful Beryl's Bakery, in Victoria Road, Keighley, for 42 years.

They are shutting up shop today as the last of their produce is sold.

"We must be one of the only shops left that doesn't put dough improvers in our bread," says Beryl, 65.

She added: "We'll probably still have to bake our own bread, because when we've been on holiday from the shop, we've never found bread we like.

"Other bakers use dough improvers for speed but we don't, and a lot of customers appreciated that because they're allergic to them."

The couple have had a loyal customer base and cite at least three who have been coming in for the full 42 years. Beryl said: "They came here as young women and we've got to know them over the years. A lot of our customers are friends now.

"They come from all over, including Oakworth, Sutton and Riddlesden -- it's like an old friends reunion on Fridays!"

While they say they'll miss the friends they have made, Malcolm is looking forward to giving up the 5.30am starts.

Because of his ill-health, he and Beryl are relieved that the 13-hour days will become a thing of the past.

"It's become a way of life and everything we do revolves around it. The oven used to be fired up all through Christmas," said Malcolm.

He was born in Keighley but moved to Beryl's home town of Shipley to manage a confectioners with her.

Then in 1960 they set up Beryl's, in Keighley, where they raised their five children and have seen lots of changes in the business.

Their assistant, Jan, has worked at the shop for 30 years after coming in to help one Christmas.

Beryl said: "We've really enjoyed it but the time has come to retire. It's a shame as there are hardly any independent bakeries left, they're mostly multiples.

"But we've been lucky to have such good customers and we'd like to thank them for their friendship and their loyalty over the years.

"The one thing we'll miss most is the customers."

The couple tried to sell the bakery as a going concern for 12 months, but it has now been sold and will become a residence.

Malcolm and Beryl are staying in the area and say that with five grandchildren they will have plenty to keep them occupied .