A WORCESTER cycle shop though to be the oldest in the country is leaving its home of 126 years.

Fred Lewis Cycles has been selling and repairing bicycles and offering advice to cyclists in New Street since 1880.

But on Monday all that history will come to an end when shop manager Roger Stanley, aged 60, moves the business across town to 50 Railway Arch in Farrier Street.

Mr Stanley, who has worked at the shop for 39 years, is having to move because the premises have been sold.

He said: "It will be a real wrench to leave this place. It's all I have ever known.

"I rent the building from the old owner Walter Richardson, who said I could run the shop when he decided to retire.

"He told me he wanted to sell the building so I've had to find a new place to rent.

"I have been working here 39 years and have run it myself for the last two. I've got really fond memories of the place, but it's time to move on.

"The new building has had a lick of paint and looks fantastic. I'll be closing on Saturday evening and move everything across for the opening on Monday."

Although the shop has had four owners since 1880 it has always been known as Fred Lewis Cycle shop. Walter `Wally' Richardson bought it in 1953 and employed Mr Stanley in 1967 as a mechanic.

"I used to take my own bikes to Fred Lewis Cycles when I was young, and he offered me a job," said Mr Stanley.

"Over the years it's been a fantastic place to work."

Mr Richardson, aged 76, who now lives in St Marks Close, Worcester, said: "I had a wonderful time running the shop. I had so much job satisfaction.

"When I retired. I said Roger could rent it to keep it going, but now I've decided to sell up.

"Fred Lewis Cycles will still be around, I'm glad to say. The wonderful memories will always be with us too."

The building's new owner plans to build flats on the first floor, with a shop unit below.