A BELOVED shoe shop used by generations has officially closed its doors today after 126 years.

Newman's in High Street, Crowthorne has shut up shop after losing its battle with customers shopping online and sky rocketing business rates.

READ THIS: Generations of customers express sadness over family-run shoe shop closure

Caroline Silvester, owner of Newman's, spoke to the Bracknell News yesterday, ahead of the closure.

She said: "It is going to be a sad day, the staff will be gone tomorrow and it will just be myself and my sister.

"We will occasionally open the shop in the next few days after to clear the stock up. "Customers have been very brilliant and loads have come in to give flowers, chocolates."

The independent family-run business originally opened in 1894 by William Newman as a saddlery, which sold, repaired and made leather goods.

Since then, the business has sold a range of footwear and provides fully trained shoe fitters to help customers find the right fit.

CLICK HERE to find out why the shop decided to close down.

Hundred's of villagers in Crowthorne and Bracknell spoke of their sadness about how the store will be sorely missed as generations of families shopped there.

Bridget Beckett, a loyal customer, said: "Very sad. I have taken many children there for shoes as a parent, auntie and Foster carer.

"Most of them had additional needs. Great service even with some very uncooperative little customers."

Carol Stocker also added: "Will be greatly missed! Happy memories of buying my and my children’s shoes here!"

"Sad times as I know this must have been a hard decision for David’s daughters to make. It has been a big part of the community spirit for Crowthorne with so many amazing memories", said Renee Riley.

Newman's business owner expressed her thoughts on the future and said "I don't know what the future is after this, I don't what will happen from now."