The owner of a traditional barber’s shop in St Neots has closed his business after trading in the town for more than 50 years.

A notice has appeared on the window of the shop, in Cambridge Street, in which Jimmy Mosca bids a fond farewell to his customers, which in some cases, includes several generations of families.

The notice reads: “It is with deep regret that I inform you that my shop will no longer be re-opening. It’s been a real pleasure to have been open for over 50 years and in that time I have met so many wonderful people who have become my friends. I will miss you all. Best wishes for the future.”

More than 130 people have already taken to the St Neots’ Facebook page to wish Jimmy well and share their memories.

Some remember going to the shop as children and others recall Jimmy’s sense of humour and easy going manner.

Jimmy opened his shop in 1967, after arriving in England six years earlier to make a new life for himself. The 78-year-old was still working in the shop part-time in January when The Hunts Post spoke to his son, Alfonso.

He told the newspaper: “My dad is a real trooper and he still kept the business going through a bout of ill health recently,” he said.

“He loves talking to the customers and he rarely takes time off. He is well known in St Neots and he honestly can’t go anywhere without someone recognising him. On his 70th birthday, my brother Lorenzo and I took him to New York and we were at the top of the Empire State building and someone shouted ‘hey Jimmy’.”

Jimmy’s wife Assunta came over from Italy once he had established the business in St Neots and they raised their family in the town. The couple have two sons and two grandchildren.

“We are all so proud of him,” added Alfonso.