MARGARET Grundell is such a West Bay institution after 48 years in the resort that post addressed to Margaret, The Ice Cream Kiosk, West Bay, has never had trouble finding her.

Margaret and her husband John have been a feature in West Bay so long they know almost everybody, everybody's children, probably everybody's grandparents and quite a few regular holidaymakers by name.

Now the couple have decided it's time to call it a day and have put their kiosk on the market for £160,000.

Margaret and John took over their first kiosk in May 48 years ago and their present kiosk on the Esplanade in September later the same year.

Margaret was born in Weymouth but her mother was one of 11 Fenwick children - a family name well known in Bridport.

It is obvious from just five minutes by the kiosk that Margaret makes friends easily and has an amazing memory for names.

She knew the names of all the lads working on the harbour defences, she even knew what their taste in ice creams and tea was.

The affection in which she's held is obvious too, with letters from schoolchildren testament to that and the many messages for a happy retirement on Facebook - many of which mention her generosity with ice cream cones.

John said: "We have just had enough. We have been here 48 years. I take very much of a back seat now with my arthritis I am on crutches and can't lift and carry like I should be able to to. It puts everything on to Margaret and it isn't fair.

"We are both getting older I am 78 and Margaret will be on her next birthday.

"It is time to come to an end if we can find someone to take it over we will retire. If we don't we will retire anyway.

"We stay open all year - everything in here is on 24 hours a day we might as well make use of it."

The couple must be among the hardest working in the Bay - they've occasionally taken time off in winter but invariably they are there on weekends come rain or shine.

John added: "We haven't had much time to relax but we have enjoyed ourselves and done what we wanted to do. I think we will have a job to find anybody to follow on that will do the same hours "There's not many weekends we have had off because Saturday and Sunday are your busiest days.

"West Bay can be very busy if the weather is right but you have only got to get a shower of rain and they've gone.

"We have been very happy doing what we have been doing it is becoming just too much."