READERS of The Bolton News have been reacting with sadness that the town’s iconic jewellery store, Prestons of Bolton, will close.

We revealed the sad news yesterday that the famous shop will shut for good after nearly 150 years of trading in the town – a victim of changing conditions on the high street.

Prestons and its popular Wedding Ring World was once the pride of Bolton town centre and attracted shoppers from across the country.

After shutting down temporarily yesterday, the famous four-storey building will reopen next Saturday for an “everything must go” sale, before closing its doors permanently.

Iconic jewellery store Prestons of Bolton to close after nearly 150 years in town centre

PICTURES: History of iconic jewellers Prestons of Bolton​

Scores of readers have contacted The Bolton News to express their dismay at the news and share their memories of the store.

Reader Louise Ceesay wrote: “I was very sad to read that the Iconic Prestons of Bolton is to close.

“I have lovely memories of taking my grandchildren to the beautiful Santa’s Grotto it used to have.”

Kathleen Berry sent a letter, which stated: “My husband and I celebrated our golden wedding anniversary on August 20, this year and we bought my wedding ring from Prestons of Bolton. It was with great sadness on reading such an iconic store is to close. I’m afraid it’s just another nail in the coffin of a once great town.”

Former Bolton resident Harriet Steele, who now lives in Hertfordshire bought her first ever watch from Prestons, before she even knew how to tell the time. She said: “We went to choose it, paid a deposit and they kept it for us until I could tell the time. I can still remember the excitement of going to pick it up and how special the staff made me feel, 40-plus years on.”

Gayle Glasfurd, who has made numerous important purchases from Prestons throughout her life, said news of the closure was “very, very sad,” adding: “I got my first Sekonda watch there as a child, and, then my engagement ring in 1981, a beautiful Victorian pendant for my 21st birthday in 1982, and my wedding ring in 1983.

“I loved going up in the lift that just held two people to ‘wedding ring world’ on the first floor.”

Brenda Halliday added: “My engagement ring came from Prestons in 1959, and I have had my rings repaired over the years. "Always a nice welcome when you went into the shop – so, so sad that its closing. One of Bolton’s iconic shops bringing people to Bolton from all over the country.”

Reader, Karen Fielding, said: “I got my wedding ring from there 34 years ago. I bought other pieces from there, too. I’m so sad that it’s closing.

Doreen Devine added: “I got my engagement ring from Prestons 43 years ago. It was 18 carrot and platinum and cost £120. That was a lot back then.”

Prestons of Bolton has been a fixture in the town centre since 1869 when it was founded by goldsmith James Preston.