As the countdown begins to the closure of Hanningtons, Brighton's oldest department store, it is to be hoped someone, somewhere, has ensured that an official, comprehensive photographic and written portfolio has been compiled to record the existence of this important and unique Brighton landmark.

We should also take the opportunity to record a bit more than just photographs of the obvious and collect the memories of the staff and their observations of Brighton life and people.

Local history is a popular and fascinating subject but, all too often, it is left too late to take note of the detail and valuable information and knowledge is lost.

I'm going to make sure I get my own photographs of Hanningtons before it closes and squirrel away a couple of its distinctive, dark blue carrier bags. I'll also look fondly upon the many items my family has purchased from the store over the years.

Call me a sad old git if you must but in a few years, when the conversation gets round to "Do you remember that shop that used to be in North Street?", I'll be able to bore people for hours with my photographs and memorabilia.

For many of us, whatever happens on the site in the future, it will not be a substitute for Hanningtons' uniqueness.

-Edward Start, Hollingbury Road, Brighton