A company that runs market stalls across four towns will be ceasing its visits next month due to health reasons. 

Dereham-based CC Wells has announced it will no longer be attending the markets in Bungay, Beccles, Sheringham, and Watton. 

It follows news in the summer that it would no longer be running at Dereham market for the same reason. 

The decision was made as after one of its directors, Myles Whitehair, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

His wife Karen Whitehair, who has been with the company and attending Bungay market for 35 years, said: "It's very sad. Bungay is a wonderful little town that we have done very well at.

"The customers have remained consistent and so loyal, and that's why it is very hard to have to go."

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CC Wells trades at Bungay market on a Thursday between 8am to 2pmCC Wells trades at Bungay market on a Thursday between 8am to 2pm (Image: Phoebe Ozanne) READ MORE: CC Wells ceases trading at Dereham's Tuesday market

Reflecting on her husband's condition, she said: "It is causing damage to his nerve endings, affecting him physically.

"We packed in Dereham first and we have now decided we have to pack in all of them."

The company which, sells fruit and vegetables, trades at the Buttercross in Bungay on a Thursday between 8am to 2pm, and in the New Market in Beccles at the same time on Fridays. 

It trades at Sheringham on a Saturday in the car park on Cromer road between 8am to 2pm, and in Watton it trades in Middle Street between the same hours on Wednesdays.

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The business will still be operating from its main warehouse in Dereham. 

Mrs Whitehair said the warehouse is a "big percentage" of the business. 

She said: "We are fortunate enough we have family members that can carry on. 

"Myles has to take a step away." 

The company sells a range of high quality fruit and vegetablesThe company sells a range of high quality fruit and vegetables (Image: Phoebe Ozanne) Many townspeople in Bungay will attend the market on ThursdayMany townspeople in Bungay will attend the market on Thursday (Image: Phoebe Ozanne) READ MORE: Bungay Great Harry Potter Reading Marathon raises £13,000

A spokeswoman for the Bungay Town Trust, which runs the weekly market, said: "The town will be devastated by the loss and the town trust is already working hard to try to find a suitable replacement. 

"This will clearly be difficult as the current provision has been extensive and the owners are well-known and well-loved. 

"The town trust would like to offer their huge thanks to CC Wells for their wonderful years of service and incredible commitment to the town."

Paul Cunningham, Beccles Town Council clerk, said: "The town council are of course disappointed that CC Wells are leaving the Friday market as they have been an important part of the market in Beccles for nine years.

"I’m sure that many of their loyal customers will be sad to see them leave.

"We are keen to find a replacement fruit and vegetable trader for our market, potentially in conjunction with our colleagues in Bungay and their Thursday market."

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CC Wells will continue to trade from their Dereham warehouse on Greens RoadCC Wells will continue to trade from their Dereham warehouse on Greens Road (Image: Phoebe Ozanne) READ MORE: The Mayfair wine bar in Bungay receives community award

The ending of the market operations will come into effect on the last trading day before Christmas for all four towns.

Local businesses by the Buttercross in Bungay have expressed their sadness at the news. 

Rachel Jones, at Old Bank Tearoom, buys all of the fruit and veg for the cafe at the market.

She said: "It's really sad.

"They are really nice people and work really hard in all weathers."

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Beck Cottage Bakery is another stall that runs at the Bungay market and will continue to do so, Pete Sewell said. 

He said: "I am very sorry to see them go. 

"It's been lovely to be trading with them."

CC Wells has been attending the Bungay market for 35 years CC Wells has been attending the Bungay market for 35 years (Image: CC Wells)

History of the family-run business CC Wells

The company was founded by Charlie Wells before he sold the business to Brian Whitehair, who ran it with his family.

In his early days Mr Whitehair was running the business from his home in Ashill.

As the business grew, the business started renting premises in Dereham.

Mr Whitehair's sons and son-in-law then carried on with the business, having their current warehouse purpose built.

In the past, CC Wells was attending 17 markets.

It is also the only market fruiterers that are in Covent Garden market in London five nights a week. 

Alongside fruit and veg, the business sells Hingham eggs and offers gift vouchers.