One of the oldest jewellers in the country is closing down after more than 300 years serving the district.

W J Jago in Market Place has traded in St Albans since the early 1720s, and will be closing down when the current owner of 43 years retires. 

The historic jewellers, famed for selling a mourning ring to the wife of Captain Cook, was sold by the Jago family to Keith Chard in 1970.

Keith said: "With the ever changing shopping habits of the British public and the decline of the traditional High Street, I have decided it would be difficult to sell the business.

"I know that many of our regular customers will be disappointed and it is sad that the W J Jago name will finally disappear, I am however looking forward to my retirement.  

"With over £2 million worth of stock to clear I am hoping to liquidate it all by the end of the year."

Keith said has been approached by many customers who have detailed the jewellery they have bought in the shops over the years. 

The closing down sale started last weekend and will run until the shop closes on December 31.