The original sole traders of a shopping centre in Bordon are bringing the shutters down on their business after 40 years of memories.

Mark and Debbie Dangerfield have been the helpful couple behind the counter of Forest Cobbler since 1984.

Their shop has been an ever-present in the Forest Centre since the precinct opened with the likes of Gateway and Murgatroyds.

The couple tried to find someone to take the shop forward with retirement beckoning but were sadly unsuccessful.

So an era will end on Friday, May 31, with their engraving supremo of 35 years, Valerie, moving to Shoe Box in Grayshott.

Mr Dangerfield said: “We started up with Liphook Valet because we weren’t big enough to have one unit, so we split it into two, with them being next door and us being here.”

“The business is going well and is profitable, but we want to retire and we couldn’t find a buyer.

“Timpsons are interested in their pods that you see next to supermarkets, so they won’t come. I feel a bit disappointed we couldn’t find someone else to take it over.”

The couple have been inundated with messages of goodwill and thanks from customers as their tenure comes to an end, with many calling the closure a “sad day for the centre and the town”.

“We would like say thank you so much to our customers, and it’s been a pleasure to serve you all,” said Mr Dangerfield.

His wife added: “We feel a bit guilty leaving here because so many people want our services.

“The people who need keys cut – I don’t know what they’re going to do but we can’t go on forever.

“It’s been an absolutely pleasure serving the people of Whitehill and Bordon and we can’t thank everyone enough for the last 40 years.”