A mobile fishmonger, who travelled over 560,000 miles to sell quality fish to the people of Chingford and Highams Park, has retired.  

Cyril Moody, 61, of New Waltham in Grimsby, first discovered Chingford in 1981 on his first trip down to London in his newly-kitted out van. 

Stocked with £50 of fresh fish, the father-of-three and his wife, Angela, travelled 193 miles from the seaport town to the E4 area and started door knocking. 

The couple returned that day with £85 and Mr Moody said he has never canvassed since. 

For eight years, Mr Moody drove the eight-hour round trip to Chingford every Wednesday, working 18 hour days, but then started staying with customers from Tuesday to Thursday.  

Now, after 34 years, 12 Toyota Hiace vans and clocking up more than 564,000 miles, Mr Moody has passed on his legacy to fishmonger Nathan Collins, also from Grimsby. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

"I was made redundant during the cod war and I remember selling to a woman in Grimsby who mentioned Chingford," said Mr Moody.  

"I sold my car and bought a van. I had never been to London before and I remember getting to Charlie Brown's Roundabout and thinking Woodford or Chingford. I chose Chingford and I've never looked back since". 

To this day, the grandfather-of-six has retained over 135 loyal customers who put in their weekly orders for cod, haddock, salmon, kippers, trout, mussels, crab, prawns, skate and plaice. 

Mr Moody said he regularly had to convince people his stock came fresh out of the North Sea in Grimsby.

Adding: "I built up a reputation for selling and filleting the best fish this country can offer.  

"People didn't believe I live up in Lincolnshire, they thought I used to go to Billingsgate but I've never been there before. 

"I've been overwhelmed by the kindness of people in Chingford and Highams Park. They are all just lovely, special people that have allowed me to earn a wage over so many years. 

"I'm over the moon that Nathan is keeping it going and I'm sure he will look after my customers".  

He especially thanked Margaret and John Marsden of Kimberley Road, Chingford, for allowing him to stay with them every week for over 12 years.