The familiar basket display is going

The city's landmark Hovells corner store is famous for its basketware stacked over 13 levels.

Baskets have been hanging on the corner of Bridewell Alley since 1864 when basketmaker William Hovell set up shop there.

In time his son and granddaughter took over.

As the family business grew, 20 people were employed making the stock for the shop.

Among the products were crabpots for Norfolk's fishermen, shopping baskets for housewives and rush mattresses for just about everyone.

But times have changed. The baskets are still there but now they are imported from Malaysia - and are no longer as profitable.

Managing director Jonathan Butcher said they were sad to be leaving the city centre store.

Hovells has been in Norwich for 140 years

"Everybody known Hovells. Tourists used to love coming in to look around and it has some very fond memories.

"Obviously after 140 years there is going to some sadness - but we are a business."

He said changing shopping patterns and growing problems with city car-parking making transporting bulky items difficult had helped prompt the decision to concentrate on out-of-town furniture retailing.

When Hovells closes in the city as the end of April five people will lose their jobs.