A family which has been in the horticulture business for nearly 125 years has pulled up roots.

Donaldsons Flowers was formerly the country’s biggest producer of chrysanthemums, selling 17 million of the cut flowers every year.

But due to rising energy costs and competition from abroad, owners Alan and Colin Frampton say it is no longer viable to continue.

It is believed the 16 hectare site in Runcton, near Chichester, has been sold to a berry grower.

Alan Frampton, whose family have been in the horticultural business since 1887, said: “It is the end of an era.

“But chryths are quite a high energy crop by using a lot of lighting and costs have gone through the roof.“We needed to build a new greenhouse but that would be a 15-year investment and looking at the energy situation we decided the risk was not worth taking.”

The brothers founded the company with father Donald and Nick Vrijland in 1987.

The family have been in the business since 1887.

The business very quickly went on to become the number one grower of chrysanthemums in the country.

But during the past four years, more than eight hectares of chrysanthemums have been closed down in West Sussex, despite massive demand for UK-grown produce.

Supermarkets are now sourcing cheaper products from Holland and South Africa.

The brothers will form a consultancy business to offer advice to those looking at starting a new business. All but one members of staff have already got jobs with other companies in the area.

Alan said: “Horticulture in the area is still extremely strong.“Chichester is the silicon valley of the horticultural glasshouse industry in the country.”

A total of 150m greenhouse will still be used to grow more than 200,000 strawberries.

Alan said: “There’s a great demand for fresh strawberries in this country.

“The crops have already won prizes for best flavour.

“It’s a progressive step forward.”

Reports have suggested that Berkshire-based Hall Hunter Partnership has bought the site No one from Hall Hunter Partnership was available to speak to The Argus at the time of going to print.