THE OWNER of one of Chorley's last family firms is hanging up his overalls.

Geoffrey Wilcocks -- of Wilcocks & Sons hardware store, Chapel Street, Chorley -- will be swapping hardware for spare time when he retires tomorrow (Friday).

But the business will not be closing. Geoffrey, 76, is handing over to Arthur Adlam who has worked at the shop for 22 years.

Geoffrey took over the business from his father, who founded Wilcock and Sons in 1878. "It's like the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one," said 38-year-old Arthur. "There are not many family firms around now."

Geoffrey will be celebrating his retirement with a party at the pub. RETIRING: Geoffrey Wilcocks