A Saltcoats family business, which has served the town for more than a century, is to close down this weekend.

George Stark and Son, known affectionately among locals as ‘Starks’, has been a fixture in Hamilton Street for 112 years.

The newsagents and tobacconist has stood through two world wars, watched the decline of local industry and served holidaying families when Saltcoats was a top UK seaside destination.

And its welcoming staff, Gillian and Denise, have clocked up over 70 years between them working at the store.

But the Herald understands that the much-loved business has been sold by owner Ross McSherry and is to close its doors forever on Saturday, September 28.

Gillian agreed that the closure was sad for the town and told the Herald: “I’ve been here 37 years and Denise has been here 34 years so you can understand how we’re feeling.”

Customers expressed their sadness over the end of Starks on social media.

Steven Gibson posted on Facebook: “Bit gutted to see Starks is closing. Everyone alive from Saltcoats and still living there will know it. 112years. It is a shadow of what it was and obviously [the] internet is a huge threat to books, mags and newspapers. Hamilton Street won't be the same.”

Hundreds of people reacted to Steven’s comment, with many residents describing the closure as “sad” and expressing their concern for the future of business in Saltcoats.

Rosaline Robinson said: “Feel for Gillian and Denise; really lovely and always had [a] chat with them. Will miss them both.”

Millie McCann added: “The oldest family business in Saltcoats. Will be missed and lovely friendly staff too.”

David Gibson said: “Sad another Saltcoats institution going.”