A family firm is closing down after more than 125 years - citing competition from big business.

Thousands of customers will have passed through the doors of Leslie's Nurseries, in Durdar Road, Carlisle, since it first began trading in 1891.

It is renowned throughout north Cumbria for selling and growing plants, trees, shrubs and other garden products.

The business was started by the Leslie family but was bought by businessman Tommy Hogg about 19 years ago.

Mr Hogg, 57, told The Cumberland News he felt it was the right time to stop trading due to market conditions.

"The reason we are closing down is because a lot of small nurseries aren't doing what they should be because of competition from massive supermarkets and garden centres," he said.

"There's no sour grapes in that, I understand how things have changed."

He stressed that the business had not been in any financial difficulty but had made a personal decision to call time.

"I have loved every minute of it," he added.

"I've met some wonderful people and some fantastic characters over the years.

"We had a huge following for our trees and ornamental trees; shrubs were also a big part of our business.

"It's sad to let it go but sentiment never paid the bills."

No official date has been set for the business to close but Mr Hogg said it was due to happen imminently.

All the staff members who had been working there have now moved on and found new jobs.

Several generations of local families called themselves customers at the nursery over a period of many years.

Mr Hogg in particular wanted to thank Stuart Irving and his brother Nigel Hogg who have been "fantastic staff" during the time they were worked there.

His other brother, Kenny, runs the Fantails restaurant in Wetheral, near Carlisle.

Mr Hogg now plans to semi-retire and enjoy some time with family and relax after many years in business.

The land the nursery sits on, opposite the city's racecourse, has now been sold on to an unnamed party, subject to contract.