ONE of the last independent antiques shops in Winchester will be closing in February.

While The Pine Cellars will keep trading just outside the city, its owner has decided to shut his store in Jewry Street.

Nigel Spencer Brayn, now 57, started the firm as a 21-year-old entrepreneur in 1971 after training as a carpenter.

"Jewry Street was very much the antiques street of Winchester when I started up," he said. "But restaurants, bars, estate agents and banks are the only ones that can afford to stay in the city."

He is now selling the Jewry Street property, and the shop is expected to close next month.

All operations will move to his workshop at Burgess Farm in Jackmans Hill, Morestead.

He added that the firm would keep trading, and that no job losses were planned.

Since the company was founded, it has built a reputation for dealing in unusual and individual antiques. They have included many pieces in their original paintwork, while others have been hand-stripped and polished.

Mr Brayn said he has dealt with several famous clients during the years, including Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. He added that her Swiss chalet was furnished with several items from The Pine Cellars.

"I am passionate about the pieces I restore and sometimes it is hard to let them go," said Mr Brayn.