A BESPOKE furniture maker has hung up his tools for the last time - after 48 years.

Robin Stagg started his business in 1968, beginning with a small workshop and working his way up to a large showroom in Rawreth.

The 68-year-old started with simple chair frames and grew his business to include upholstered pieces of furniture which graced prestigious homes across Europe and the Far East.

Some pieces were even destined for royal abodes- including a chair for Prince William’s nursery.

Mr Stagg, who now lives in Norfolk, said: “It was just myself when I started out but we grew and eventually employed 12 people, including machinists and upholsters.

“At the start people would come with brochures and we designed what they wanted and made a frame for them to take away to get upholstered. Later we did all the upholstery as well. We even made a chair for Prince William’s nursery.”

He brought up son Simon and daughter Perdee during his time building up Robin Stagg Furniture, but decided the time had come to sell up rather than pass the business on.

He said: “It’s a lot of responsibility to pass on to someone so I decided to close and sell up.

“I’ll have plenty to keep me busy in my retirement that I couldn’t do before.”

Mr Stagg’s daughter, who grew up helping out in the business, added: “He’s not your usual business man, no suits, no private office, however he came with a smile, a laugh and always happy to help anyone.

“Mum has always been beside him running the show.”