A WELL-known Pershore estate agent, Richard Williams has sold the practice that he established in the town over a quarter of a century ago and has retired.

The practice has been bought by Andrew Grant, of Worcester. "The reason I chose him to sell to was that my clients would continue to be looked after in the same way that I have operated," Mr Williams said. "My staff remain in place and his ethos is the same as mine." Alongside himself and his wife Janet, Mr Williams employed five full-time staff and a number of part-time sale room staff who work at auctions. Mr Williams is well known in pubic life in the Vale of Evesham and further afield. He is chairman of Rooftop Housing Group and chairs tribunals on appeals hearings for Worcestershire County Council, both of which he intends to continue. The sale took effect from December 23.