TWO shop assistants, who live minutes away from each other and celebrate their birthdays in the same week, have retired after 30 years' service between them.

Les Kane, celebrated his 65th birthday and last day of work at Sainsbury's supermarket in Stratton yesterday.

His colleague, Mary Buck, toasted his departure just days before she leaves the company on her 60th birthday on Friday.

Les, of Coleview, said: "I started at Sainsbury's on September 28, 1987, so I've been here just under 20 years.

"It is a much bigger shop now, so I have watched the whole extension. Plus it is much harder work these days."

Les said he wasn't sure how he would fill his days without his job but said he was looking forward to finding out.

"I think I'll be having a nice rest," he said.

"I'm going to the New Forest tomorrow, but other than that I haven't decided."

Both Les and Mary said their friends and colleagues at the shop were the reason their time at work had been so enjoyable.

"I just really enjoyed working here," said Les.

"I worked at the stationers, Thorns, for 28 years before this. But then I was made redundant and got the job here."

Mary, who lives just a couple of streets away from Les in Coleview, said: "We could have coffee mornings together."

Grandmother Mary will be leaving Sainsbury's after 11 years at the Stratton supermarket.

She used to work on the groceries counter alongside Les, but recently swapped to the health and beauty section because it was lighter work on her bad back.

"I'm retiring early because I've got a bad back," said Mary.

"It will be strange to leave all the people here that I have worked with for so long. Les has been here the whole time I have, and with us living so near to each other as well we have become friends as well as colleagues.

"Hopefully, we'll still be seeing each other, but probably in Coleview, rather than the aisles from now on."

Mary and Les had a few glasses of Bucks Fizz together before he left the shop floor for the last time yesterday. Mary said she hoped to get another send-off on her last day.

She said she was looking forward to being able to see more of her grandchildren after giving up work.

Les's wife, Rosemary, also works at the supermarket, but will be staying in her job a little while longer.

"I only work two days a week, so I don't think he'll miss me too much," said Rosemary.

The shop's duty manager, Carolyn Barnet, said: "Les and Mary have been a big part of the team for a long time. They will both be sorely missed by everyone here."