A landmark shop is closing down after trading for more than 80 years.

Owners of Mycycles, on Worcester Road in Malvern Link, blame competition from national chains, high business rates and recurrent vandalism for the decision to shut.

Mycycles started trading in 1926 and is thought to be the third-oldest shop in town, after Brays and Cox's.

Closure means the loss of two full-time and one part-time job.

The business was founded by William Hammond, who previously worked for the pioneering Malvern car-maker Santler. The shop is still in the family as the present owner Clive Cam's late wife Pat was a grand-daughter of Mr Hammond.

Mr Cam said: "It's a great shame but with competition from Halfords and the other big boys, it just isn't feasible to keep the shop open."

He said high business rates were another factor in the decision to close, along with persistent vandalism.

The replica penny-farthing bicycle which stood above the shop entrance, and which was restored by Mr Cam some years ago as a tribute to his wife, has been attacked several times.

The shop is holding a closing-down sale which starts today and lasts until the stock has gone.