BURNHAM’S oldest shop is set to close this weekend after a staggering 126 years in business.

King and Hines was opened in 1893 by current owner Georgina Tatlow’s grandfather.

The family-owned store has passed down three generations and is described by customers as “a good old-fashioned hardware shop”.

Georgina, who used to run the store with her late husband Bob, said it is now being forced to close due to changing high street shopping trends.

She said: “I’ve been working in the shop for 54 years.

“It’s a very emotional and sad day for me.

“The shop has got a lovely old smell about it that over the years has just become embedded into the walls.

“My grandparents started it a long while ago but it’s just not paying the bills anymore.”

The shop sells a wide range of materials, including gardening and DIY equipment.

But Georgina says modern retail habits are changing.

She said: “These days youngsters are buying online, and we can’t compete with that.

“I knew almost all the customers by name and it’s a shame as a lot of older customers still like coming in and shopping.”

Daughter-in-law Teresa said: “Georgie and all her family would like to thank all their customers for their support over so many years, the friendships that have developed and the love and laughter that has been generated by the continuous footfall of our customers.”

Georgina added: “I’d hoped it would keep going – that small businesses would make a comeback, but they didn’t.

“It’s happening all over.

“You’ve got to have something different or you’ve got to be online, and I’m too old to have an online business.”

The shop is due to close its doors for the last time this Saturday.