ONE of Accrington’s landmark shops is to close as its former US air force serviceman finally taxis into retirement.

Frank Ogden Jewellers, in Peel Chambers on Blackburn Road, will shut its doors before Christmas when 70-year-old Jim Deascenti finally calls time on the 91-year-old family business.

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It was founded by Frank and Mary Ogden in 1924 and has served generations of Hyndburn and East Lancashire residents and families with diamonds, rings, bracelets and other jewellery for decades.

New Yorker Jim came into the business in 1978 when he and his wife Janet came back to the town from the United States.

He and his mother-in-law Joyce Walker, Frank and Mary’s daughter, went into partnership.

Jim, now the ‘working partner’ behind the counter, said: “I knew nothing about jewellery when I came and have learnt on the job. I’ve had a wonderful time.

“Accrington is a great town with lovely people and customers.

“I met my wife Janet and we moved back to East Lancashire when I left the US air force. I am getting older and it feels like time to retire.

“Our son has grown up and is doing something else and there is no other relative to take over.

“It’s very much a family firm and not the sort of thing you can just sell on.

“We are a big shop with eight windows which is not the modern way for jewellery stores. I’ve had the same four staff for 19 years and I shall miss them. They are a great bunch.

“We will trade up to Christmas, which seems a good time to close.

“We have a sale on with good items of jewellery at even better prices than normal.

“I am not sure what I am going to do with my time other than spend it with my family.

“I will miss the store and the customers.”

Two of his staff are retiring with Jim.

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said: “This is an iconic shop that has been there for generations of grateful customers.

“It is always sad to see the end of a landmark shop. I thank Jim for all he and his family have done for the town and wish him a long and happy retirement.”