A record store is winding down as it gets set to close its doors for the final time - after more than 40 years in business.

Bridport Music will shut on October 26 and Steph and Piers Garner, who run the shop, have thanked all their customers over the years.

The couple say they've put their 'hearts and souls' into running the business but are ready to move on to the next phase of their lives after more than four decades.

Mrs Garner said: "We have had many lovely, loyal customers over the years and we want to say a big 'thank you' to them. We will miss it - it's been a big part of our lives. We have brought up three kids in this time, paid off a mortgage and now it's time for us to move on. It's hard work running a business - but we've managed to make it work.The size of the shop, and its potential, will make someone else a good living. It's time for some fresh blood."

'Bridport Record Centre' opened in 1974 at 96 South Street before moving to its current location at 33a South Street in 1979.

It's been popular with locals and visitors alike, and news of its closure saddened the community.

Speaking at the time, Mrs Garner said: "We have come to the end of the long and winding road called Bridport Music. We have been trying to sell the business for a couple of years. We always said 'don’t worry, we won’t disappear until we find a buyer.' As it turns out, we were wrong. After two years of trying, we have failed to interest anyone with the desire and the means to take over the reins of Bridport Music. We’ve been close on a couple of occasions but not close enough, and we have decided that now is the time for us to move on to the next phase of our lives."

Mrs Garner says the couple have had a 'good run', enjoying the vinyl revival and meeting the likes of Robert Plant, PJ Harvey and Bobby Gillespie and that they will miss their customers, old and new.

But they are looking forward trying something new after working six days-a-week at the record store.

"We’ve had a great time, made some fantastic friends and brought up three amazing children here," they both said.

Stock will remain on sale until Bridport Music's last trading day next Saturday.

Clocktower Music is hoping to fill the void left by Bridport Music by offering some new vinyl releases, with the blessing of the Garners.

Clocktower’s Roy Gregory said: “We’re sad to see them go, we were never in competition."