A NEAR 40-year-old Irvine business is to close down at the tail end of this year.

Fasprint, based in the Ailsa Road industrial estate, have confirmed they will shut up shop in December, and not take orders beyond the end of this month.

They have warned customers that they will no longer be accepting new business orders after November 30, before closing entirely on December 20 - with all orders received before the November date being completed prior to this.

It comes following the decision by managing director, Allan Morrison, aged 75, to retire.

The company has been supplying Irvine and the wider Ayrshire area with fast, quality printing and design services since it was established in 1984.

And since 1992, they have been the printers responsible for helping produce the free Marymass programme made available yearly at the much-loved local event.

In an emotional social media statement on Tuesday (November 15), Allan discussed the reasoning for the decision.

He said: "All good things must come to an end! After much consideration I have taken the decision to retire fully from the business.

"Having discussed the matter with my family and the team it has been decided the best option is simply to close the business allowing everyone involved to move on to new opportunities.

"We have had the pleasure to work with some great people and businesses over many years and the journey has been amazing, but as they say, sadly all good things come to an end.

"On behalf of everyone at Fasprint I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our incredible customers and suppliers for your loyalty and support over 39 years and wish you all every success for the future."

There were plenty of well-wishes for Allan and the team, which includes his three children, after they broke the sad news.

One man commented: "All the best Allan, not easy closing down a family business, I'm sure all the family will do well as they're all a credit to you and Margaret.

"Enjoy your well-deserved long overdue retirement."

While another added: "Sad to hear this Allan but wishing you a very happy and well deserved retirement, good luck to everyone at Fasprint.

"I have wonderful memories of my time working with you all."

While others said this marked "the end of an era", however, Allan can leave knowing he ran "a great and successful business".