A family business has closed after 74 years.

HF Burley jewellers was opened in Duke Street by Fred Burley in 1928.

Now 94, he worked behind the counter until the business closed at the weekend.

He was joined in the trade by his son Maurice in 1950 and later by his second son John. Their step-sister Pam Richardson also worked there.

The brothers decided to retire and because Maurice's children did not want the business, it has been sold.

Fred bought the shop after training as an apprentice jeweller at Skinner's in Lewes when he was 15.

The family has seen the street and the industry change. Quartz watches meant the skills of a watch mender were no longer in demand.

Maurice, 68, said:

"Manual watches disappeared and with them the whole watch repairing business."

Business had a boost when Duke Street was pedestrianised 16 years ago and when Churchill Square was rebuilt.

During the Second World War, Fred's late wife Nelly ran the shop while he was stationed with the RAF. If repair jobs came in she posted him the watches to fix.

Fred said: "We are the last shop and the last building in the street which has not changed in years."

Although sad to be selling, the family is looking forward to the chance to relax.

Fred said: "I am sad in a sense but I am afraid our work is just not wanted any more. I have had 74 years of getting up at 6am. It is going to take a long time getting that out of my system."

Maurice plans to play bowls and watch cricket, including cheering on his son-in-law Keith Greenfield, who bats for Sussex.

John, 65, wants to spend more time in the garden while Pam will look for another job.

The shop has been bought by Kellerwood's, another family jewellers which has a shop in Meeting House Lane.

Fred said: "I am sure they will make a good success of it. I wish them luck."