Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

The owner of a popular fruit and veg shop has retired after more than three decades.

Originally a miner, Bob Brain MBE first opened Bob’s Fruit and Veg in Nelson in 1991 after the mines had closed.

Bob was inspired by his wife, who had worked selling fruit and veg. He joked: “She said I wouldn’t be able to do it, the work’s too hard.”

When a shop front became available to rent in Nelson, Bob took the opportunity to open his business and eventually bought the property. 

Bob, 66, said he will miss the “camaraderie” with customers, who he said have “been brilliant to me”.

Through retirement, Bob looks forward to being able to spend more time with his family, something that working full time running a business had made harder to do.

In 2016, Bob was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his work raising money for charity.

At the time he was awarded his MBE, Bob had raised £200,000 for more than 50 charities by running marathons and climbing mountains, a hobby that Bob has continued since.

Bob first got into jogging as a means to keep active, with his busy schedule meaning he was unable to play rugby.

Jogging had then turned into marathon running and now Bob has run 50 marathons.

On retirement, Bob said: “With free time on my hands to enjoy, I’ll be spending more time with the family and generally keeping fit.” 

Bob plans to continue to stay active, but wants to focus more on cycling. He already has two planned bike rides for this year, one 100 miles and the other 60 miles.