A VETERAN estate agent who has sold thousands of houses, seen the development of Clacton first-hand and even faced a gun-toting robber has called it a day.

Hugh Bidmead has enjoyed a colourful 44-year career in Clacton after joining estate agency John V Story in 1972 as a raw newbie.

He qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1978 and became a partner in the Station Road business with John Story in 1980.

Since John’s death in 2003 Hugh has run the agency, which was taken over by Boydens three years ago.

Over his career Hugh has sold more than 6,000 properties – including one house in Clacton four separate times.

He said: “I’ve had a wonderful career and enjoyed almost every minute of it, but I’ll be 65 in November so I think it’s a good time to take my leave.

“I’m sure I’ll miss it, particularly meeting the public which has always been my favourite part of the job, but I’ll be leaving the business in very good hands.

“I still remember the first property I sold - it was a bungalow in Wyndham Crescent, Clacton and it went for £11,000, but is probably worth £220,000 now!

“Back then I was on £5 a week and no commission to start with but I knew straight away it was the career for me.”

Hugh said the worst change to the industry over the years has been the loss of face-to-face contact in a lot of sales with the rise of the internet.

He added: “If I’m remembered for nothing else I would like to think it would be for my honesty and integrity.

“I’ve always believed that offering a personal touch is key to success and I remain convinced this is still the case.”

One moment of face-to-face contact Hugh could have done without saw him confronted by an armed robber.

The raider burst into the agency’s Clacton office 20 years in search of cash.

Hugh said: “A man came into the office, got out a hand-gun and shouted at me to open the safe.

“Naturally I didn’t argue but I did only give him a small amount of what was in the safe and told him that’s all there was. He made off with what I gave him.

“It left me a bit shocked for sure. It’s not what you expect when you start work in the morning as an estate agent!”

After selling houses to half of Clacton Hugh plans to spend his retirement with his wife and grandchildren.