IT IS one of the proudest shops in York - fronting a family business that has traded in the city for nearly 100 years. And now, like many other great trading names, Stubbs is set to close.

As times change and shopping habits alter, old family businesses such as FR Stubbs the ironmonger in Fossgate can find life increasingly difficult.

So it is that the present boss, Bill Stubbs, has decided up sell up as he approaches retirement.

As another long-familiar landmark goes, it is time again to take a sad moment to ponder the way life moves on and what is left behind.

Updated: 11:26 Wednesday, February 14, 2001