It will be an emotional last day of business for Portique jewellers in Wimborne as they host a retirement sale before permanently closing their doors today.

The Mayor of Wimborne is due to pay a final visit to Portique in East Street today before it shuts up shop.

All jewellery prices are being discounted by 50 per cent as part of a retirement sale that starts at 10am and continues until all stock is sold.

Sale items will include diamond pieces, engagement rings, necklaces, coloured stone pieces, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, pearl jewellery and more.

Husband and wife Neil and Elizabeth Harkness took the reins in 1997 when the business was located in Bournemouth’s Criterion Arcade. 

The store was subsequently relocated to Wimborne in 2003 when the arcade was redeveloped.

Bournemouth Echo: Portique in Bournemouth’s Criterion ArcadePortique in Bournemouth’s Criterion Arcade

The store was established in 1971 by Mr R E Porter, great uncle to current owner Neil Harkness who will retire when the store closes.

READ MORE: Wimborne jewellers Portique to close doors for good

Neil said: "I have so many memories from over the years, we do feel a little bit emotional about closing.

"Wimborne's lovely, we have been very happily accepted into the community and people are very sorry that we are closing. 

"My wife and I have discussed closing for a while and I think this is the right time to do so.

"We are all getting older and to do something like this when you are older is quite strenuous. 

"Now that I will have a bit more free time, I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family.

"I also quite like going out with my camera and taking photos so I'll be able to do that more. 

"The garden also needs doing so ill have time to work on that.

"I would just like to say a very big thank you to all of our loyal customers from over the years that we have had the business.

I would also like to thank all the staff because they have been absolutely fabulous."