A FAMILY-run plant nursery that has been an "oasis" in Parkstone for more than 80 years has shut its doors for the last time.

Three generations of Chubbs have run nurseries on Churchill Road, since 1918, and the latest incarnation, Chubb's Nursery, was set up in 1947.

But the latest owner, John Chubb, has reluctantly decided it is time to hang up his wellington boots after more than half a decade in the business, and shut up shop on July 31.

"I'm 72 now, and I just felt that there comes a time when one has to call it a day," said Mr Chubb, who has no children.

"We had a very loyal following, and hundreds of people have said how sorry they are that we're gone - I have taken some pride in that.

"I think the nursery has been like a little oasis in a barren place, at Christmas time particularly, when we have had thousands of cyclamen and poinsettia providing a blast of colour at a very dark time of year."

Mr Chubb said the business has changed since he started working at the nursery when he left school.

He and his father used to go to markets across the country to sell their plants, but wholesale has become uneconomical because of increasing international trade and over the past decade the business has focused on retail.

Mr Chubb marked the closure of the nursery by inviting his nine staff to a farewell dinner at his home.

First published: September 2