SPRIGHTLY pensioner Raymond Howes has been globe-trotting with leading Ayrshire firm Stewart Travel for 25 years.

And even in his nineties, he has no plans to slow down as he continues to enjoy experiencing all four corners of the world.

He was invited to open up the new Troon shop in Portland Street which saw regular customers drop in for a glass of fizz and some snacks.

Raymond said: “I have been to Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Thailand.

“My favourite has to be the South Pacific and Antarctic were my favourites, I was there in 2004. we sailed down the coast from Ecuador way down to the Arctic Shelf, where we were for five days.l also enjoyed the likes of Tahiti and Samoa.

“Travelling has been a great introduction to people.

“I have already booked a cruise to St Petersburg next June.

“Stewart Travel are a great company to book with and staff are always really helpful.”

Gayle Christie, manager of the Troon shop said: “We had been nearly 40 years in Ayr Street and felt it was time for a change.

“This is a better location and a bigger premises, so it’s ideal for us.”

“The company are expanding and we now have premises all over Ayrshire and also Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“We also have a foreign exchange bureau which should be really popular.

“The shop has been really busy since we opened the premises on September 17.

“This is twice the size of the old premises and it’s a nice open space we have.

“It was a great first week for us since we opened and this is a prime spot in the town, it really stands out,

“We always have quite good deals with low deposits as well which can be paid.

“As a business we are independent and not tied to anyone.

“We’ve had customers both old and new coming in to see us and there has been really good feedback since moving to the new premises.

“Now we look forward to working in the new shop.”

The new premises should entice customers from Troon and other visitors who are passing by and whether it be short breaks, short flights and more longer haul adventures, there should be something for everyone.