WATCHET Co-op manager Shane Parker was expecting a quiet drink with staff to mark the end of his 13 years with the store on Sunday evening – but things did not quite turn out like that.

In fact, staff and customers had been planning a secret send-off for weeks.

And when Shane arrived at the West Somerset Hotel, a capacity crowd of well-wishers cheered him on his way to manage a new Co-op store in Willand, Devon, with a going-away gift of £700.

Watchet Co-op team leader Sue Gilford said: “Shane has travelled every day from Tiverton and now he will be working nearer home.

“We will all miss him – he’s been a really good friend to all of us and the best boss in the world.

“So many customers have said to us that Shane has become a real part of the Watchet scene and they wanted to show their appreciation by contributing to his leaving gift.”

Watchet customer Dorothea Capper helped organise the leaving present, which was handed over by town crier David Milton

He said that Shane had supported numerous good causes in the town and many people had benefitted from his help and kindness.

Shane was also presented with a certificate by Margaret Tatham in appreciation of his support for the Watchet and district Dementia Action Alliance.

“I never expected anything like this – it has come as a complete surprise and it means a lot,” Shane said.

“I won’t be able to keep away from Watchet but in future I’ll just be a tourist!”

Photo: George Ody