A HUDDERSFIELD trader is closing his shop - to go backpacking round the world.
Martyn Leach has run Martyn's Trawler Shop on Broad Lane, Moldgreen, for 20 years.
During that time, he has built up a loyal following for his dressed salmon and seafood platters.
He has also served up unusual fish and meat - including crocodile - and a wide range of game.
The shop also sells fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers, under the Bloomers name.
Mr Leach, 44, is closing the shop for the last time on Saturday to fulfil a lifelong ambition to travel the world.
He said: "I am taking four years out to go on a world tour. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.
"It will be a bit of a wrench giving the shop up and I have had quite a few people wondering what they will do when I've gone."
The first leg of his trek will take him to Africa, India, Thailand, China and Australia - where he plans to spend several months staying with relatives.
Mr Leach bought The Trawler Shop after nine years in catering, although the store had been selling fish for many decades before that under other owners.
He qualified as a chef and worked in several hotels, starting at the George in St George's Square, Huddersfield.
He finished at The Foresters Arms at Upper Cumberworth.
Mr Leach said Bloomers would continue to trade under florist Mandy Cliff, who has worked for him for about 10 years.
She will run the business from home while seeking new premises, but keep the shop's existing phone number.
