AN antique store in southern Oxfordshire is closing down after 109 years in business.

Wallingford's Summers Davis Antiques, which specialises in furniture, will close its doors on November 30.

Owners Graham and Pamela Wells have seen a number of famous customers and intriguing items during their time with the upmarket store - which dates back to 1909 - but have let the lease expire due to their age and ill health.

Mr Wells, who joined the company in 1972, before his wife arrived in 1994, recalls one particular item, a four-poster ivory bed made of narwhale tusks, as 'very, very unusual and rare - I will always remember that.'

He also looks back fondly on a 10ft 8in clock, which he bought for £5,800, to the horror of former boss Michael Bayliss.

However, the clock sold just a day later for £7,000.

Mr Wells laughs: "He [Mr Bayliss] was dreading having it for years and years - he said 'you were so lucky selling that clock.'"

Actor Jeremy Irons, Viscountess Hambleden and an ambassador to India are among some of the High Street store's more memorable customers, all of which the pair paid tribute to.

Mr Wells, 63, added that the business had been doing remarkably well and that he was sad to be closing, but that they would continue trading online.

He also thanked Phillipa Waddington for her help with sales.

What will happen next to the picturesque three-storey Cavella House, where the business is based, remains unknown.

Mrs Wells, 61, who previously ran a transport company and worked in a bank, said she had 'mixed feelings' about leaving, admitting they 'always knew' they would have to shut the shop 'at some stage'.

She added: "We will miss all of our lovely customers. Hopefully some of them keep in touch."

Mrs Wells is excited about spending time with her granddaughter and finding a new hobby, while her husband is looking forward to spending more time on his other passion, fishing.

Stock is currently on sale at discounted prices. Visit summersdavisantiques.co.uk for details.