PRAISE has been showered on a beloved Llandrindod Wells couple after they announced that they are selling their business and retiring.

Hodges News Food and Wine has been synonymous with the spa town for well over a century, but owner Mike Hodges announced last week that he is selling up.

It means the business will leave the family for the first time in 118 years – since Mike’s great-grandfather bought it, in 1906.

Mike, who has run the post office, newsagents, grocers and off-licence alongside his wife Margaret for decades, announced last week that the couple had decided to sell after a “very challenging time”.

Mike and Margaret are keen marathon runners, competing many down the years for charity, has previously talked about how he has battled with his mental health in recent years.

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In an emotional post on the shop’s Facebook page last Friday (May 17), Mike said: “I wish to thank the many people who have supported me through a very challenging time, including having professional help, I shall bore you no more.

“The reason for my mind games, well we have agreed to sell our business J Hodges [for the] first time since my great grandfather bought it in 1906.

“Hopefully it will change hands in the coming months.”

The decision was welcomed with much sadness from within the local community, with the couple’s decision rightly called the “end of an era”.

“Really sad to hear this, you have both provided fantastic service to this community for years,” said Clive James.

“I, like others, have been popping in and out of the shop for (what) seems like forever. If ever anyone deserved to take things easy it's you two.”

Janet Rees said: “You, Margaret, your family and your staff have been absolutely amazing and very much appreciated.

“Now it’s time for you to enjoy having time to do all those things you would like to do. You will be very much missed. We send you our love and very best wishes.”

Hannah Fury added: “Very big decision. And the end of an era. Thank you for being so great for so many years as part of our community. It’s rare to find these days. Wishing you both all the best.”

And Sarah Evans said: “Wishing you both all the best for the future, you will be greatly missed by everyone.

“Thank you for everything you have done for the community, you were absolute super stars through Covid (and) even in tough times you soldiered on. Time to go have some time for yourselves.”

Kev Martin, who also runs a newsagents in town, said: “Neighbours. Friends. Provider of an unbelievable business for generations.”

The announcement comes with the couple due to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next year.

The much-loved and community spirited couple have raised close to £100,000 for charity running marathons since 1989.

Mike has run over 150, while Margaret ran her 100th marathon in 2021. Mike said of his wife at the time: “She got me through the pandemic. I had a bit of a mental breakdown and she got me through that as well.

“She works in the shop, she looks after me and she runs marathons, she even has two allotments, she never stops. She’s my hero.”