'Immensely proud' jeweller retires after 44 years

A long-serving jeweller has said he is "looking forward to the challenges and adventures that may lie ahead" as he announced his retirement after 44 years.

Peter Jackson opened a store in the St George's Centre, Preston in 1982 and opened a Blackburn branch in The Mall six years later, both of which are set to stay open.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to charity, and said: "After much soul searching... the time is right to retire."

Over the years, the independent business has won awards including UK Independent Jeweller of the Year and the East Lancashire Retailer of the Year award.

Jackson said he was "immensely proud" of his colleagues, some of whom had been with him for 20 years.

"We could never have achieved everything we have without their dedication and support," he said.

"We have worked with some of the world's leading luxury brands and have supported many charities and worthy causes, and now, with a combination of apprehension and excitement I have decided that the time is right for me to retire.

"It has been a difficult and emotional decision, but I am looking forward to the challenges and adventures that may lie ahead."

He said he had enjoyed "some of the most important moments in our customer's lives - engagements, weddings, christenings, graduations, anniversaries and many more".

"We have supplied engagement rings to people who's parents bought their engagement ring from us and retirement gifts to people who treated themselves to a new watch on their first day at work," he added.

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