A FAMILY jewellers is to close, after 34 years in business.

Owners of Goldsmith Family Jewellers in Longridge announced yesterday that they are to retire and will be closing the Towneley Parade store in Berry Lane.

The family business has been a mainstay of the town’s high street since jewellers Philip and Barbara Goldsmith opened the shop in September 1985.

Mr Goldsmith said: “I always had an interest in geology and from a young age I collected minerals.

“When I left school, I joined W.A Muir jewellers in Preston as a junior salesperson and was there for ten years.

“Barbara also worked alongside me when we met, so it was a natural step for us to open our own shop.”

Over the years the family pulled together to ensure the shop’s success and people from the town and beyond have visited for generations to buy special pieces marking engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, christenings and more.

In the early days both Mr and Mrs Goldsmith’s mothers gave a helping hand with Mrs Goldsmith’s sister, Hilary, joining in 1995 as manageress.

Mr Goldsmith added: “As a traditional jeweller we have always put an emphasis on staff training and professionalism.

“We have been incredibly grateful to offer handpicked pieces to our valued customers over so many years; being part of their lives at memorable and special times.

“We have enjoyed our time as part of the Longridge retail community immensely and living and working in the Ribble Valley has been a great pleasure.

“The choice to close the business has been very difficult but Barbara and I are retiring, so we have decided that it is right for us at this time.”

The closure will be heralded by a sale, starting on Saturday, which will see many thousands of pounds worth of jewellery reduced by 50 per cent.

Mr Goldsmith said: “By way of a thank you to our customers we are holding a fabulous closing down sale, giving everyone the chance to take home an amazing jewellery bargain.”

Pieces in the sale will include diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, coloured gemstone pieces, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more and will last until all the stock has been sold.