For generations, shoppers have bought their fresh food from Heather in Hove.

But the delicatessen, a landmark in Church Road, is closing, marking the end of an era.

During the years, millions of customers have relished Heather's fresh goods, including home-made pies, quiches, meats, cheeses and locally-made honey.

Among the patrons have been EastEnders actresses Wendy Richard and Edna Dore; actors Nick Berry, Bill 'Compo' Owen and Chris Ellison, formerly of The Bill and TV presenters Zoe Ball and Neil Buchanan.

Owner Derrick Sharpe died last month after a long battle against cancer and his wife Margaret and family have decided to sell up.

Shop assistant Sue Taylor, who has worked in the business on and off for almost 40 years, is overseeing the closure.

She said: "I have put up a notice saying we are closing and since then people have been dropping in to say goodbye. It's a sad time because Heather has been here for years and years."

Sandwiched between Cullens and Attree and Kent funeral directors, the shop is one of the oldest in Hove.

Charlie Heather opened the premises as a greengrocers in the Thirties.

Derrick Sharp bought the shop in the Sixties and Sue began to work there in 1965. The delicatessen was incorporated during the Seventies.

Sue said: "We have changed as customers' demands have changed. In recent years, we have sold organic produce plus things like vegetarian cheeses and more ethnic foods."

Sue believes one of the reasons for the shop's lasting success was its ability to cater for all its customers.

She said: "People knew they could come here and buy one onion or one carrot or a couple of slices of ham. They didn't have to have pre-packed portions.

"They also knew they could get local strawberries and tomatoes and honey from Paynes in Hassocks."

Although the shop has an old-fashioned air, there are few original features left.

Sue said: "Health and safety regulations meant everything had to be changed. Even the chain pull on the toilet had to be removed."

It will be a wrench for Sue to leave Heather and the friends she had made there during the years.

She said: "It is part of the make-up of the area and I dare say I will shed a few tears when I close the doors at the end of the week."

Sue has no idea what will become of the shop, adding: "I know there have been inquiries about restaurants but because it is a Grade ll listed building, the front cannot be altered. Beyond that, who knows what will become of it?"

Mr Sharp also ran Leals in Worthing and a butchers in Portland Road, Hove, but Heather remained his "baby".

Sue added: "Mr Sharp had a dry sense of humour. I will always remember him puffing on his pipe.

"I think some people felt he was unapproachable but there were times when we would be in fits of giggles. He had a heart of gold."