A NEWSAGENT is looking forward to spending a little longer in bed after a decade of early rising to serve his Worcester community.

Ivor Weston has seen a chapter of changes in Ronkswood since 1992, when he opened Weston News, in Lichfield Avenue.

The 65-year-old said he would miss the community spirit on the council estate, but had ''an inkling'' it was time for a well-deserved rest from years of early starts.

"I got up one morning after seeing Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson moaning on TV about his players having to play football twice a week," he said.

"I just had to write him a letter asking how his players would have got up before 4am every morning for 364 days a year - on a little less money!"

Mr Weston, who was a Metal Box worker for 40 years, said he had had some great times in the shop and the spirit between local traders was fantastic.

Despite a recent burglary at his shop, he was upbeat about Ronkswood as an area.

"People say the estate is going downhill, but I've always found it a really friendly community to work in," he said.

When Mr Weston took over the shop there were no shelves and most products, including newspapers, were simply stored on milk crates.

"There were no refrigeration units to keep food and drinks fresh and we had to fully modernise the shop. We sell pretty much everything now," he said.

A keen cricket fan, Mr Weston said he would be spending a good part of his retirement watching Worcestershire play at New Road.

The father of three, who has three grandchildren, said he would also be following the progress of his grandson Sam, who is aiming to become an England cadet in judo.

Mr Weston said he would still be popping into the shop, which will be run by a member of his family - son-in-law John Will-iams.

He is looking forward to a low-key retirement party - and is still waiting for a reply to his letter to Sir Alex!