DISCOUNT chain TJ Hughes has closed its doors in Widnes for the last time.

The Green Oaks department store beside Morrisons and the market has been in the town for decades.

Shoppers say it marks the end of an era.

One customer said: “I’ve been coming here for years.

“In the early days it was brilliant. You could always get a great bargain.

“They used to sell top brands, Dorma bedding and Christy towels.”

Anything and everything from home appliances and clothing to garden furniture and shoes were stocked.

It was the first store in Widnes to have an escalator.

The company was founded by Thomas Hughes in Liverpool back in 1912.

It grew to become a national chain but went into administration in 2011.

The Widnes store was saved just hours before it was due to close in August, 2011, saving 50 jobs.

The company is planning to open a new store in the Golden Square in Warrington.