One of the oldest shops in Bicester is closing after 75 years of trading.

Seventeen people will lose their jobs when The Handy Stores in Sheep Street shuts down within the next few months.

Richard Cherry, left, with Philippa McDonald, Howard Cherry, Brian Penhallow and Miles Penhallow

Brian Penhallow said: "Closing it down will enable two directors to retire - my brother-in-law Howard Cherry, who is 75, and myself. I am 66."

But another shop owned by the family company, Cherry's furniture store in Sheep Street, remains open.

Mr Penhallow runs The Handy Stores with his son Miles, while Howard runs Cherry's.

Miles Penhallow plans to become a buyer for a national company that supplies nursery products to shops. Meanwhile, Howard's children, Richard Cherry and Phillipa McDonald will take over the running of Cherry's.

The Handy Stores was founded by William Cherry and his wife Grace in the 1920s. Mr Penhallow married their daughter, Jean.

At first the company sold pots and pans but over the years considerably extended its range to include toys, women's clothes, china, glass plus household and garden tools.

Mr Penhallow said: "I do not yet know the date the shop will close, but it will be before Christmas.

"It is a sad day for us after 75 years of trading. Unfortunately 17 staff will be made redundant."

He said a national retailing company was interested in leasing the shop part of their premises.