IT IS the end of an era today as the doors to Newport's oldest department store have closed for good.

Wildings has played a prominent role in the city centre ever since it opened in 1874.

And in that time, it has witnessed many historic dates throughout Newport's long history, including - the founding of The Boys' Brigade movement in Wales by George Philip Reynolds at Havelock Street, Tredegar House being sold, Newport being granted city status, as well as Friars Walk shopping centre opening in 2015.

The store was originally set up by 21-year-old Alfred Wilding, who came to Newport from Shropshire to set up as a hatter catering for the new merchants who had arrived for work at The Docks.

But owner Peter James announced to staff in August that, after 144 years of trading, the department store would close just before Christmas.

He previously said: “This is a very sad moment for the business but the losses we have been experiencing in recent years have been too great to sustain.

"It is now time to bow out and recognise that the economics of trading in Newport no longer work for us and we are not immune to the upheaval that has been affecting many retailers up and down the country."

And today Mr James thanked staff and customers for their hard work and loyalty.

"Times have changed, and the proud city of Newport is no longer the grand trading centre it used to be," he said.

"During the last 145 years we have had many good times, and times when the economy faltered, and the environment was tough. In the early to mid-1970s we had 14 shops under the Wildings brand. We nearly went under in the bitter recession of the early 1980s but survived and eventually started to thrive again.

"But as previously stated Wildings was a Newport business staffed, managed and run by different generations of Newport people.

"So first and foremost, I would like to thank all those employees past and present, who made the business what it was. And, of course, I would like to extend my warm appreciation to our many customers who have supported us so loyally. To the present group of staff I extend my heart felt gratitude. We are departing the stage with heads held high."

A huge closing down sale was held from October to yesterday to clear nearly £600,000 worth of stock that remained in the business.