ST ALBANS: A long-running family business is to close its doors for the final time at the end of the month.

Riders Toys and Fancy Dress has been in St Albans city centre for more than 40 years and announced it was to cease trading back in October.

Owner James Pinkham said at the time that the state of the economy had hit business hard and the internet had also had a massive effect on local shops.

The final trading date has now been set as December 31. Until this time, all stock at the London Road shop is reduced, with new items arriving daily.

James, 42, said: “I want to say a big thank you to all my customers over the years.”