WALLY and Sue Lake of Lake's Pharmacy in Tavistock have retired after 34 years, ending an era for the chemist shop which is being taken over by the Day Lewis chain.

The pharmacy was first called E W Lake and Sons after Wally Lake's father when the family took it over in 1979, but was later changed to Lakes when Sue joined her husband after the birth of their first child.

Mr Lake said he had enjoyed pharmacy work but would not miss the paperwork. He said he had plenty to keep him busy in retirement including being a member of two charity trusts, a rotarian and an athletics club coach. He also had lots of gardening and decorating to do, he said.

Jobs are secure for the ten members of staff who are employed at the pharmacy in the take-over.