Your kind words and touching memories as much-loved South Shields shopkeeper celebrates 40 years in business.

We reported how Harinder Singh, known to locals as Paul, was celebrating the 40th anniversary of his Singh’s Wine Store in Quarry Lane, South Shields.

The 78-year-old first opened his doors on April, 30, 1981 after leaving the city of Amritsar in India to start a new life in the UK.

Dozens of messages congratulating the businessman and sharing memories were left on the Shields Gazette Facebook page.

Catriona Campbell said: “Such a lovely guy, been going to his shop since I was a kid. The family are so lovely as well.”

Patricia Robson said: “Used to go in there when I lived on the Sutton. Lovely man. Remember his lovely wife, it was so sad she died very young.”

Lorraine Thompson said: “Congratulations on 40 years service to your local community! Well Done.”

Veena Kaur said: “Well done Paul, great to see the smaller shop keepers are still going strong.”

Mark Pinckney said: “My children and I were regulars in his shop, when we lived on the Sutton Trust Estate. He always seemed a decent sort of fella. I am glad that his business is still going.”

Joseph Langley said: “It’s great to see him do well after moving here all the way from India, some people will never understand how hard it is to emigrate to another country, it takes a lot of courage to move so far away from your main family, friends and community to a strange new place.”

Justine Reed said: “Massive part of our up bringing. My late mother had so much respect for Paul and Sherry, and lots of staff over the years. Lovely family kind and loyal to us all. Lots of love xx”

Clair Mccourt said: “Well done Paul, you’re a lovely man.”

Lyn Carson Jefferson said: “Lovely shop, lovely family x”

Other comments complimented ‘Paul’ on how good he looked for his years.

Megan Reilly said: “He looks exactly the same since I was a kid x"

Corinne Grayson Pinnock said: “Looking good Paul. I remember you opening. Still good to have our local shop.”

Amanda Norris said: “Wow Paul you look bloody amazing not changed a bit, our local shop for many years!”

Lynn Riella said: Looking great Paul, lovely seeing photos of you when you were younger.

"Your Sherry is the double of you. Will always remember your kindness bringing me back bangles from India x

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.