THEY came to witness the last rites of a proud institution - and to pick up a bargain if they could.

For this was the final day's trading at Dressers - bringing an end to 150-plus years of high street trading.

Outside, on Darlington's High Row, the Saturday crowds rushed past the empty windows, cluttered with forlorn "closing down sale" signs.

Inside, bargain hunters were busy picking over the remnants and grabbing the last items from the shelves.

Staff, hands clasped together, looked on, willing to help with directions or advice if needed.

General manager Elspeth Robinson, who joined the company as a shorthand typist 46 years ago, admitted a few tears had been shed.

She said: "The name of Dressers has been in Darlington for 155 years and we are, of course, extremely sad that it is going to go.

"We have always had a different style of retailing, very traditional. But in the current age it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain that.

"However, in the Dressers way, we have had a very dignified closure programme and tried not to let standards drop."

Meanwhile, a steady stream of customers continued their quest for the best buys, sweeping past the rows of shelves and shop walls stripped bare.

Kath Briggs, from Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, said: "I remember when this building was the home of Lucks in the 1960s.

"I have shopped here for years and know a lot of the staff. I also remember bringing my children here to see Santa Claus. It is all very sad."

As the store prepared for closure, some items have sold in ever increasing amounts.

Since January, suitcases and luggage - traditionally big sellers during the summer holiday months - have been snapped up. China goods have also proved popular.

Anything left will be sold to fellow traders. Only the fixtures and fittings remain.

They, too, will be going this week, closing the chapter on a retailer familiar to generations of shoppers.

l Both Dressers' Darlington and Northallerton stores have been sold to developer Terrace Hill, and interest in the properties is thought to have been shown by a number of national retailing chains.

Sixty six staff will lose their jobs, but many have taken early retirement, and a number have already found work.