Hanningtons, the North Street department store in Brighton, has been a place where thousands of people have done their Christmas shopping over the years.

But this time will be the last because the store is being sold and will close its doors for the last time in June.

Next Christmas, the store will probably have been divided into modern and smaller shops of the kind more in tune with Brighton as it is today.

But many customers will join the 250 staff in shedding a tear or two for the grand old lady of Brighton's retail trade when the end finally comes.