AN ELECTRONICS shop is to close its doors after more than 60 years.

J and E Barrett, of New Wellington Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, will trade for the final time tomorrow before owner John Barrett - the son of founder Jack - shuts up shop forever.

Mr Barrett, 67, is retiring and the store, which sells TVs, fridges and other electrical items, will be sold or let to another business.

Today, as the last of the stock was being cleared, Mr Barrett said it was no time for sentimentality.

He said: “I was sad when I first decided to close the shop but I have got over that now.

“Now I am really looking forward to retirement.

“We can take longer holidays than we ever have before and I might even have time to take up golf.”

Grandfather-of-four Mr Barrett, of Bosburn Drive, Mellor Brook, and wife Isobel, 65, are jetting off to Majorca next month.

J and E Barrett first opened its doors in New Wellington Street in 1947, originally selling vacuum cleaners.

Fred Walsh joined Jack Barrett as a partner soon after the pair prospered after recognising that TVs would be the next big thing.

Jack died in 1966 and John Barrett, who had worked in the shop since the age of 15, took over from Mr Walsh in 1980.

Mr Barrett said the advent of colour TV in the early 1970s had been a key moment in the shop’s history, but the internet was now the biggest influence on electronics retail.

However, he is confident independent shops can still prosper.

He said: “If I was 20 years younger, I would definitely be on the internet - that is so important these days.

“But shops in Mill Hill will always do well, I am sure, and someone will move into this one.”