Bury St Edmunds shoe shop closes after almost 66 years in the town
The end of an era comes to St John's Street, Bury St Edmunds, when Pledgers shoe shop closes its doors on Saturday for the final time.
Valerie and Alan Kerridge have been running the business for the last 33 years and are now retiring.
The shoe shop has been in the family almost 66 years after being opened by Ron and Kathleen Pledger in 1953.
Val said: "It's sad in some ways as we have been here for 65 years but it's a relief to not have the day to day running and the stresses that brings. It's not an easy time for retail at the moment."
Val played tribute to the friendliness of other traders in the street which has a wealth of independent businesses.
She added: "We've had a lot of customers coming in over the past few months to say they are sorry to see us go."
The couple have two daughters Alison and Claire and a grand daughter Jessica and plan to enjoy more trips out in this country in their retirement.