A pharmacist has sold his community pharmacy after nearly 30 years having decided to retire.

Martin Hough owned Ryders Chemist just outside Liverpool, which dispenses an average of 8,674 items a month according to Christie and Co who brokered the sale.

It said the pharmacy, which is next to a GP surgery, was bought by “by a pair of experienced pharmacists” who are both independent prescribers.

Hough said he was aware “pharmacy was changing and that growing clinical services was the way forward” and insisted he had taken the business as far as he could. It was sold for an undisclosed price.

“I feel happy that I have made the right decision and that I have left the pharmacy in two safe pairs of hands. I wish them every success,” Hough said.

Jon Booth, director-pharmacy at Christie and Co who handled the sale, said: “It was great to get this deal completed for Martin. When he approached me, he wanted a highly confidential campaign, like most of our clients.

“After meeting with him in person and getting an understanding of his business and his motivations I knew the perfect buyers for the site. It’s been great working with two committed parties to get our client his well-deserved retirement and I look forward to watching how the business at Ryders grows under the new owners.”