The owner of the longest running continuous shop in Ulverston is preparing to start a new chapter in his career.

David Gummers, owner of F. Dickinson Footwear, based in King Street, has announced the shop will close by June 30.

Mr Gummers is calling time on the family business which his father, George Gummers, took over in 1981.

F. Dickinson Footwear opened in 1895 and has continued to supply the people of Ulverston with high quality shoes for the last 124 years.

Mr Gummers started working at the shop in 1986, under the mentorship of his father.

He became managing director of the business in 2000 and has continued to lead the company since.

Looking back at the history of the family business, Mr Gummers said: “It has been great and most customers were fantastic.

"We’ve tried to offer good service throughout our time here and over the years we have developed a good and trusting relationship with our customers.

“It is fascinating how things have changed over the years.

“In the early 2000s I remember telling my father we needed to buy a balance book in preparation for when people stopped using cheques. He looked at me like I was from another planet, but to his credit, he went out and bought one anyway."

He went on to say: “My father had real vision, he taught me so much.

“He said as long as you get the stock at the right price and treat your customers properly, things will go well.

“I couldn’t have done it without his guidance. He was a great mentor.”

Despite closing the shop, Mr Gummers still has big plans for the future.

He wants to go into motivational speaking.

He said: “I think mentoring people is very useful. I want to talk to people about not necessarily needing a university education to get somewhere."

Mr Gummers said he wanted to thank all of the customers who have supported the shop over the years, and also wanted to reassure any customers with credit notes, that they could be honoured or refunded before the shop closes.

He said any outstanding credit notes would be donated to St Mary’s Hospice.

He also announced he would be giving away a free pair of shoes to whoever gives of the best reason why they will miss him and the shop.