A FAMILY fishmongers business is to close at the end of the month after 104 years of trading in Huddersfield.
Russell Wood's great grand- father John started with a barrow in the town centre.
And Wood's fishmongers opened its first shop in 1900 before moving into the old market hall.
It moved into its present home in the Queensgate market in 1970 when Russell Wood first started work there after leaving school.
Russell, who is closing the business for health reasons, worked in the shop with his parents Roger and Maureen until they retired.
"Fish used to be a cheap staple meal, but since the Cod War it has become more expensive and is now something of a treat," said Mr Wood, 49.
"Cod and haddock have always been firm favourites in the shop and in more recent years farmed salmon has also become popular."
When Mr Wood first started work, fish was around four shillings (20p) a pound.
But it has now soared to around £4.50 a pound.
Mr Wood, who lives in Mill Moor Road, Meltham with his wife Pat said he would be spending some time quietly at home after the business closes on May 28.
"Generations of customers have always come to us, grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters.
"It is the customers I will miss the most," he said.
He also praised his assistant Carole Shaw, who has worked alongside him in the business for the past nine years.
