One of High Wycombe’s iconic furniture factories will close its doors for the last time this week.

The Frank Hudson Outlet, in Rosebery Avenue, will shut on Friday, February 16 at 5pm following a drop in business at the showroom - but the company will still continue online.

The lack of customers means the outlet – which is based in one of the oldest surviving chair factories in High Wycombe, originally built in the late 1800s - is “no longer economical”, according to manager Helen Turner.

She said: “It is sad that the visitors to our High Wycombe showroom have declined, but unfortunately the way many people shop has changed in recent years and so it is no longer viable to keep the showroom open.

“I would like to thank all our lovely customers for their support over the years and let them know that I will still be available to help them if required.

“Products can easily be ordered on the website, and customers will be able to contact me by email or over the phone if they have any queries or need advice.”

Frank Hudson established his company in 1947 and the business has been making furniture ever since.

Frank Hudson is perhaps best known for carving the iconic Red Lion in the High Street. The statue was commissioned by the Mogford family – the owners of the Red Lion Hotel – in 1956.

Three generations of the family have guided the business, with Frank’s grandsons Tim, James and Tom playing roles within the company.

Tim Hudson was special guest at the unveiling of the restored Red Lion following a Bucks Free Press campaign on St George’s Day in 2017.

Although their High Wycombe outlet has been forced to close for good, the business – and its parent company Gallery Direct – is going from “strength to strength” and the outlet will continue to trade online.