ONE of Skipton's longest surviving family owned businesses has come to the end of the road.

Four generations of Roger Waterfall's family have been trading in Skipton for more than a century, but he has now handed over the reins of Waterfall Travel.

The business began as Hargreaves Stationers in the late 1800s. Joseph John Waterfall, Roger's grandfather, took over the business from his wife's parents in 1907 and moved it from 12 to 10 Sheep Street.

He renamed it JJ Waterfall's Stationers and Bookshop and so began the family's long association with Skipton.

Joseph died in 1944 and his son Arnold, Roger's father, continued to expand the bookshop. He was later joined by his brother Sidney.

In the late 1960s fate brought Roger into the business. Disappointed that he could not get the job he wanted as a purser for Cunard in Liverpool, he spotted a gap in the market as demand for world travel began to grow.

Using the good reputation of the Waterfall name, Roger set up Waterfall Travel in 1969, alongside the bookshop in between 10 and 12 Sheep Street (now the double door entrance to WH Smith.)

The travel agents moved into 12 Sheep Street in 1979 when CP Breare's men's outfitters closed and in 1982 it moved into purpose built premises in Victoria Street where it continues to trade.

Waterfall Travel has always tried to cater for those customers who have wanted a holiday which is that little bit special or complicated to organise. Even when the shop moved away from the High Street customers still sought it out knowing they could rely on the service.

During his 31 years as a travel agent, Roger said he had been elected many times to represent his peers on the ABTA travel agents' council and the board of NAITA for the last 15 years.

He represented ABTA on the Leeds/Bradford Airport consultancy committee and the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives in London.

His wife Jenny, who is still working in the business, said it had been a difficult decision for Roger to give up the company but he was going on to new challenges at Hebridean Island Cruises at Broughton Hall, coincidentally more like the job he wanted 31 years ago.

"Trading for 100 years is quite a big thing, as many Skiptonians know the name as it stands out," said Jenny. "He is not concerned about it ending because the family tradition will continue with the new owners. It will remain a family concern."

The new owners are Ron and Nanette Hunt, who will continue to use the Waterfall name.

"The Hunt's are very enthusiastic about it all and it is helping Roger to let go," said Jenny.