From framing items for royalty to serving generations of the same family, Framearound on Bank Street has done it all.

But now, after 35 years, owner Leslie Cliff has decided to shut up shop and begin his retirement.

Mr Cliff opened the business in 1985 inside Kwik Save, Farnworth, eventually moving to the current premises on Bank Street in 1999.

Framearound will officially close on December 24, although Mr Cliff, 64, has already had to reduce his stock as developers are beginning work on the premises.

The upstairs will be converted into apartments while the shop will remain as commercial premises.

Having studied at art college, Mr Cliff tried a variety of different jobs before applying for a vacancy at a framers after his wife told him to get a job. From then on he fell in love with profession and began his own business.

Mr Cliff said: “I’ve survived three recessions and a pandemic, but it’s now time to enjoy my retirement while I’m still in good health. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my job, it’s been amazing.

“I have framed a poem for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after Bolton FM ran a poetry competition at local schools. I have done work in Bury when Princess Anne came to visit for an opening.

“There’s been MBEs, OBEs and Victoria Crosses. People trust me with their most important possessions.

“One lady came in once with some photos of a couple getting married, she wanted the wedding photos changing as it was a second marriage. The frames were still in perfect condition so turns out my frames can outlive marriages.

“I’ve framed a Turner painting for the Tate gallery, we had to take out a £175,000 insurance policy for that day. I really believe that quality is important, I’ve had many customers come back time again, even if they move away. It’s just me in the shop, I’ve never been able to afford to pay someone else although I do have a dog called Monty who greets the customers.

“I must have framed over half a million items in this time, the most bizarre was probably a crocodile skin. What I enjoy most is when there’s a creative challenge involved. It’s very labour intensive but it’s important for people that their belongings are treated with respect.”