DAWSON'S music – which has been on Warrington's high street for more than 100 years – is set to close.

The music venue first opened in the town in 1898 but has confirmed its Sankey Street shop is to shut.

The company remains online and stores in Chester and Manchester remain open.

A spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of this store.

"We have tried to maintain a presence in the town for as long as we can but it is unfortunately no longer viable.

"We would like to say thank you to all of our customers and to wish you all the very best in your future musical endeavours.

"Your nearest stores are Chester and Manchester."

No date has yet be set for closure but everything must goes signs have been put up.

Dawsons Music was set up in the town by piano tuner John Dawson who opened the shop to cater for growing demand from people wanting to buy new instruments.

Dawsons has been instrumental in the career of many musicians. Dave Warwick, who discovered Rick Astley, used to work there in his first job after school.

Stockton Heath playwright Tim Firth, who penned Calendar Girls, also used to go there as a teenager.