IT is the end of an era as a florist gets set to close its doors after trading since the 1970s.

Sunflowers Florist, on High Street, Halstead, is holding its final day of trading next Wednesday after more than 40 years of providing the town with bouquets for all occasions.

Jenni Gardiner, who has been running the shop for the past 13 years, says the way people shop has changed from when she first took over the business.

She said: “When I first started we had more face to face customers and now it’s more online.

“That’s just the way things are going.”

Mrs Gardiner also runs her business from a shop in Sudbury which she is continuing to keep open.

The three staff members from the Halstead store will be moving over to the Sudbury base which Mrs Gardiner has been running for the past three years.

The mother-of-two said trying to run two shops with a young family was no longer working.

She said: “You can’t be in two places at once.”

Mrs Gardiner added: “It is sad because it’s where I started but I’m hoping customers will keep supporting me.

“We still cover the Halstead area and hope they continue with their support.” The store has changed hands a number of times since it began as a florist in the Seventies, and even sold seeds in its early days.

Before Mrs Gardiner took on the shop it was known as Home and Garden.

The property is now being sold.