A GRANDAD whose family firm was set up before the Second World War is still working there on his 80th birthday.

Fishing shop WE Wass was founded by Will Wass’s father William Edward Wass, in 1935.

It moved to Long Wyre Street, Colchester, in 1944 after German bombs blasted through its former Mersea Road premises.

William Edward Wass died in 1981 but by then his son had already been a key part of the firm for 21 years.

Will is still there today after a total of nearly 60 years.

In 2002, Mr Wass moved the shop to London Road, Copford, and the business name was changed to Wass’s Fishing Tackle.

The sprightly 80 year-old said: “I still work about three or four days a week, I just really enjoy it and it keeps me on the ball.

“I still do all the ordering and accounts, and selling things in the shop.

“It’s still as easy as it was back in the day as I have a great team of staff. It takes the pressure off me.”

While other independent shops have struggled, Wass’s Fishing Tackle has continued to experience good trade over the years.

Mr Wass said: “Things have been really good. This year it has been great trade and I think we have bucked a trend.

“We have also set up a website and eBay account, that has been the most significant change.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but I think I will carry on.”

When he is not working, Mr Wass enjoys spending time with his wife, Val, and he has just become a grandad to his one-month-old granddaughter.

He also enjoys keeping active. He said: “About six months ago I was playing a lot of golf, but not now.

“Now I do a lot of lawn bowls, I go up to four times a week. I started this year and I thoroughly enjoy it.

“My wife asked me to give it a go and I loved it. I have been playing ever since.”