A FIREPLACE store in Dorchester has announced it will be shutting its doors for the final time.

Sue Ford aged 61, who owns Stone’s Fireplaces in North Square, has told the Echo she is retiring after more than 31 years.

The store was first opened in 1988 by Mrs Ford’s father Harry Hounsell.

She said: “It’s a family business and I have enjoyed it very much, but I’m getting old now.

“I will miss meeting the customers. It’s been good to be able to come into their homes and provide them with something which gives them a lot of enjoyment.

“I would like to thank all my loyal customers. When they move to a new house, they always come back to us.”

She added: “Before we had the store, we had the Dorchester Stone and Tile Centre, which some people may remember. When my father was looking to retire, we sold that business and moved 100 yards away to open Stone's Fireplaces.”

The news comes after Thorntons in Dorchester town centre announced it will be closing next month.

Mrs Ford added: “It’s sad that another shop in Dorchester is closing, quite a few have been closing at the moment – Thorntons, H.Samuel – they’re all big names.”

She said she will still be working part time for her brother who owns Stone’s The Monumental Masons in Weymouth, which is continuing to trade as normal. Her husband Nick Ford will also continue to provide his chimney sweeping and stove servicing.

Mrs Ford added she is looking forward to spending more time looking after her horse Luke.

The store will be closing for the last time on Saturday, March 30.