IT'S the end of an era for award winning free range egg producers Tim and Janet White, of Brook Farm at Northlew, who are retiring after 13 years.

The last eggs were laid on Thursday and Mrs White said it was a sad day: 'Friday will be the first day in 13 years when we haven't had to let the girls out when it gets light, collect the eggs and do all the other jobs during the day and shut them in when it gets dark.

'It's like most farming — 24/7, 365 days and Friday was our first day off in all that time.'

When full, the business housed 10,000 hens and dealt with as many as 9,000 eggs a day. Locally, the Whites sold to Farmer Luxton's, Hallwood Farm Shop and the Bearslake Inn, among many local pubs and retail outlets, but also to Sainsbury and Tesco through Noble Foods.

Mrs White said although it had been a hard slog, the job had its rewards, namely living in such a 'glorious spot' and the appreciation from customers.

The Whites have featured in the Okehampton Times on several occasions for winning the best tray of eggs competition at the annual NFU Poultry Conference, the last time being presented with their certificate by guest speaker, Bob Champion – winning Grand National jockey.

Mrs White expressed thanks to all their customers for their support over the years.

'We will now be looking for a source of good eggs for ourselves and are looking forward to taking a more active role in the community,' she said.