ONE of Skipton's longest-standing shops is to close down later this year after its owner has decided to retire.

Furniture store Belmont of Skipton will start to "wind down" trading over the summer after 29 years in the town.

Owner Tony Barrett said he had decided that the time was right for him to go and that was the only reason the shop would be closing.

He said: "It's been nice working in Skipton for so long and I have greatly enjoyed meeting our customers. Now I'll be easing into retirement in the coming months. I have enjoyed every minute of it and we have always put customer service at the forefront of the business. But the job is physically quite demanding and I am not getting any younger!"

Belmont of Skipton, near Belmont Bridge, has sold a wide range of furniture - especially in pine and oak - and accessories such as basketware and lighting since it was started by Tony in 1986.

He said he had sold a half-share of the business three years ago, which he had hoped at the time would enable him to retire sooner.

But the people had eventually "walked away" after deciding the trading environment was not right for them. He said: "I think there may have been 'cultural differences' as they were from a city environment. It would have been nice to have sold the business as a going concern but at the moment that doesn't look like it will be happening.

"I've got mixed emotions about retiring - of course, I'm looking forward to it but at the same time I will be a little sad to go. Skipton is a very pleasant place to work."

The store's two staff are expected to be found alternative employment elsewhere.