ONE of Bournemouth's oldest and most unusual shops is at risk of closure if a buyer can't be found.

The owners of linen and haberdashery store The Treasure House are desperate to retire but don't want to let down their army of loyal customers.

Situated in Southbourne Grove, The Treasure House has been open for 86 years and sells a staggering array of goods.

Where else would you find 10,000 different tubes of buttons or 14 different sizes of table cloth?

And there are few shops still selling such an impressive selection of net curtains, single handkerchiefs, lace and ribbon.

Complete bedding sets are sold in six sizes, curtain tracks and all fittings are on offer, as are aprons, chair backs and arm caps.

Owners Angela and Steven Hill hope to find a buyer so they can enjoy a well-earned rest after running the shop for the last 14 years.

Angela told the Daily Echo: "The business has been for sale for 18 months. We considered closing it but we don't want to let people down - they come here from miles away."

She said the shop has many regular, local customers as well as those who travel from far and wide.

"A lot of people come in once a year when they are on holiday in Bournemouth. They say their trip wouldn't be complete without coming to see us."

She said she and Steven considered closing the shop but added: "That only lasted for about a day because it didn't feel right.

"Our conscience pricked us - this shop has been here since 1932 and it doesn't feel right to close it.

"We have loved having the shop but it's time for us to retire. We want to travel more and enjoy ourselves."

The lease of the shop is for sale through Goadsby in Bournemouth for £15,500 per year.