Suresh Patel (50) said many more newsagents like him would shut up shop because of being unable to compete with the big stores.

Mr Patel, who opened Eldern Newsagents with wife Ansuhya (49) in 1988, also took a passing shot at the area around his shop, which he described as "getting worse".

The shop closed for the final time last night with Mr Patel saying that while his takings have stayed relatively consistent over the years, his profits have been taking a hit.

And Mr Patel, affectionately known as Steve to his customers, said the larger chain stores were causing the "death" of newsagents as customers look to get all their shopping in one place.

He said: "I don't think newsagents can survive on their own anymore. In the '80s and '90s newspapers were sold here, but petrol stations sell them now.

"But I don't regret my time here. We've put our life into it, and had a good time in the last 21 years."

Although disappointed to be leaving the many customers they have met over the years, Mr and Mrs Patel spoke of their delight at leaving the Orton Malborne district.

Since they opened their shop, Mr and Mrs Patel have been hit by a number of break-ins and vandalism. They have also had problems with people loitering outside their shop.

He added: "The area is getting worse here.

"We are pleased to go and happy to leave this place and the retail business, but we are sad as well and that's thanks to all the customers."

And the rapport they earned with their customers can be seen on social networking site Facebook after Mr and Mrs Patel's son Kel set up a group to thank their customers.

Since the group, The Eldern Shop is Closing, went online, more than 50 people have joined to share their stories about life around the shop.

Mr and Mrs Patel, who also owned a newsagents in Wisbech for seven years, said their decision to leave will mean they can spend more time with their family, particularly 20-year-old daughter Jyoti, who suffers from epilepsy.

Mr Patel said that Jyoti, along with a little help from The Evening Telegraph, managed to raise £3,000 in August 2006 for the Epilepsy Research Foundation by taking part in a walk around Central Park.

He said: "I want a big holiday first and to take some time out and relax."

nMr Patel confirmed that neighbouring store, Orton Supermarket, will take over selling newspapers and magazines within a few weeks.