Tills are ringing for the last time as high street icon Woolworths closes down after almost a century of trading in Colchester.

Woolworths, which has been trading in Colchester for more than 94 years, is officially shutting for good, making 75 people redundant.

Boxes of left-over stock including toys and household goods were sold off for £5 in the store’s entrance today, while staff finished clearing up. Fixtures and fittings were also for sale.

Everything that is left is to be donated to charity.

Sharon Davis, a sales assistant, said: “It’s just sad.

“I was brought up with Woolworths, my mum was brought up with Woolworths and lots of other customers have said the same. It’s the end of an era.”

Dave Blackery, the store’s manager, said: “Woolworth’s has a long history.

“The brand will be sorely missed on the high street and my belief is it will come back.

“But this has been going on for six weeks and the staff all want it come to an end now."

He said ten staff had found new jobs while the remainder had been offered help and advice with job seeking.

  • More reaction and pictures in Monday's Gazette