THE owner of an Ulverston ironmongers is to close the doors to his business for good after almost 35 years in the trade.

Graham Smith started working at Smith and Harrison in 1989 as a Saturday boy.

“I started when I was at school, carried on through sixth form and then came on full time at the end of that – so I started as a Saturday boy and never left.”

The business was founded in 1957 by Bob Harrison and Alan Smith (no relation to Graham) and was based on Theatre Street before moving to its current premises in King Street in 1973.

Graham took over in 1994 as owner and has kept the shop’s old-fashioned feel, complete with traditional shelving and the ironmonger’s code used to label the stock.

“I think what makes it special is the variety of things you can find in here,” explains Graham.

“We sell a range of products so people can buy anything from a pin to a piano tuner.

“We’ve had all sorts of strange requests over the years, like having to tighten up someone’s false leg.”

Graham, 50, plans to sell the premises in a few months, and says he is looking forward to spending more time with his family, including seven-year-old daughter Grace.