A popular family-run bakery has closed its doors for good after serving the Epping Forest community for 63 years.
Spray's bakery has been running since 1963 - with generations of the same family behind the counter serving generations of loyal customers.
Current owner Michael Spray has worked closely with his father and later his brother in running the business.
Michael said: "My father, Peter Spray Snr, founded the business in 1963. We have been in Loughton and Chigwell for all that time and have become a household name.
"My brother (Peter Spray jr ) took control of the company 30 years ago, producing our goods from scratch using the same recipes that our father used, which are still the same to this day.”
Michael enjoyed running the business but decided to sell up after tragedy struck the family.
He said: “Unfortunately a year and half ago my brother Peter tripped and broke his neck and sadly passed away, which made me decide to sell the company and retire.
"At one point we had six shops but just before Covid sold the bulk of them and went down to just one (Chigwell).
"For the past eight years my daughter (Lucy) and I have run the production on our own, producing for just the one shop.
“The shop has become a sandwich bar and bakers of renowned quality, and our success has proved that. But now it’s time to call it a day with three generations still living that have made this amazing company such a success.”
After 63 years of serving the community, Michael reached out to the Guardian to thank all those who passed through his doors over the years for their support.
He added: “Our customers' loyalty has been uncompromised, and we thank them all so much. We are leaving on a high and thank anyone and everyone that's had a hand in our incredible success. You will all be missed greatly.”
