A "legend" who instilled a love of music in hundreds of people thanks to his quirky shop has retired.

Stanley Leard-Freeman has run Queen's Road Music Shop in Watford Town Centre for the last 60 years.

But now 89, he says it is finally time to hang up the bow - and has only fond memories of his six decades at the shop.

He opened it up in 1958 while he was eight years into his career as a journalist for the Watford Observer.

When he got his hands on it, it sold typewriters - but he was determined to sell something he was a little more passionate about.

So he put classified adverts into the Watford Observer - for free as he was a member of staff - and managed to get rid of the load.

Then, he purchased a hoard of musical instruments, and the rest is history.

"Queens Road has been my life," he said. "The people, some who are sadly no longer with us or have moved away."

His ten year career at the Watford Observer drew to an end in 1960, when he quit to focus on the new shop full time.

He has welcomed many famous faces over the years, including Wherever I Lay My Hat singer Paul Young.

But he had no idea he had a famous person in his shop - instead assuming he was a regular customer.

The shop has also been the scene of many a debate, game of chess, and even campaign headquarters for matters close to his heart.

Stories of Watford and "old Watford" have been retold in the shop.

"It has been an important haven for people to chat, come and relax," he added.

The pillar of the Queen's Road business community has gained "full respect" of his loyal customers.

His family, including son-in-law Ian Welland and daughter Louise, say they hope it will go down in Watford folklore as a place where hundreds of people, young and old, bought their first instruments.

Many of his customers have been paying tribute to Stan since news his shop was closing broke, calling him a "Watford legend."

One described it as a "landmark, not a shop," while another said: "Stan was always patient whenever I asked to try a guitar. Consider I was 12 and clearly couldn't buy anything at the time."