A SECOND generation York retailer is thanking customers for their loyal support as it prepares to leave the high street after 54 years.

Furniture shop GA White is closing in Walmgate at the end of March to make way for a new business in the street.

Brothers David and Michael White are bringing to an end the business their parents started in 1957 as they look to lease the building out.

David said: "We have been looking for an exit strategy for sometime and someone has now come along with a plan to do something different with the property.

"We see it as an opportunity for something different, both for us to be landlords, and as something new for the area. It's a new way forward.

"We can't say what the shop will be yet, but we are closing on March 31, and they are opening soon after."

GA White was founded by Gerald and Margaret White as a home furnishing business, based in Walmgate, on the site currently occupied by The Press offices.

When the shop was demolished to make way for MFI the Whites bought the fishmongers, game dealers, bakers and plumbers merchant across the road, eventually knocking the shops through to become the large showroom and offices it is today.

David said: "I started working here when I was 20-years-old, and have done around 30 years in the business. It's a real family business, with five of us working here at one time or another between me and Michael, our mum and dad, and our brother Steven.

"We have found our own little niche here, and have been supported by a lot of loyal customers over the years, who we would like to thank for their support.

"It's now time for this building to be put to a different use now.

"I've always supported independent, British manufacturers, and I'll be sad not to be able to give them the business we have over the years.

"However we are all positive about the change. It's a fresh start for us."