A beloved antique centre in Dorchester is to close its doors after more than a quarter of a century.

De Danann Antique Centre, nestled on the edge of the Casterbridge Trading Estate on London Road was known as a treasure trove for the hunter of antiques.

The shop was a frequent hotspot for the BBC prime time show, Antiques Road Trip, which saw antiques dealers pop in and purchase a range of items to sell on at auction.

Open for 30 years, the owner and manager of the site’s lease, John Burton, announced that the shop will close after he took the decision to retire from the business.  

He said: “I’ve had a really nice time and I’d like to thank everyone over the last 30 years that has made the place what it is.

“I’ve had some fantastic memories and the centre has been such a good source of items for people’s homes.

“I’m looking to retire now as I’ve been in the trade for a long time and it just feels like the right time to take a step back.”

Mr Burton went on to say that he has fond memories of people travelling from around the country to visit the shop for its knick-knacks and oddities.

The shop will close on Sunday, March 31 and, according to Mr Burton, will transform into a shop that offers architectural items such as statues, fountains and handmade furniture.

Until the closing date, the stall holders in the shop are selling their antique items at a reduced rate as they look to get rid of their stock before the closure. The shop is also open on Mondays where it previously was not, as it looks to clear out. 

Dorset Echo:

Mr Burton confirmed that ‘some’ of the stall holders will be looking to move location whilst others that have been at the shop for a long time have also announced they’ll be taking a step back from trading.

Dorset Garden Ornaments, that display their work in front of the antique’s centre, announced on their social media that the business will be moving to Maiden Newton following the closure of the shop.

It is believed that the units inside the gates of the antique centre, loving by nature and the upholstery workshop Cheng’s Emporium, will remain open.