Family-run retailer, Dancers has announced it will close its Halesowen store after almost 145 years of trading in the town.

Breaking the news on social media, the business, which has supplied school uniform and suit hire to generations of families, said they were no longer able to keep the doors ope .

A spokesperson for the store said: “It is with great regret that we announce the closure of our shop in Halesowen, which will happen some time mid December.

“It was a difficult decision to take after 144 years of trading as well as our association with the town of Halesowen, especially as it has been in the Dancer family for 5 generations.

“However for various reasons, we as a family cannot feasibly keep the business going as it is.”

Dancers was started in 1880 by John Dancer and is now owned and managed by his Great Grandson, Michael, assisted by his son David and sister Janet.

During the 20th century, they moved away from boot making which was its original trade into selling clothing, accessories and school-wear.

They had several premises around the area including their store in Halesowen, and became one of the first in the UK to offer a suit hire service.

The spokesperson added: “We would like to take this opportunity to firstly thank our loyal staff both present and past, for all their hard work and support over the years and a massive thank you to all of our customers.

“We will keep you all updated for when our last trading day will be.”