When Colin and Alan Hesketh began working at their father’s independent sports shop in the 1970s, it was one of dozens across Greater Manchester.
Almost half a century on, it’s the last one standing. In a world dominated by online shopping and huge retailers, Bury Sports and Trophies is a throwback to a bygone era.
Inside you'll find its walls and counters lined with everything from snooker cues and cricket pads to snorkelling gear and slingshots. If you grew up in or around Bury the chances are that you’ve bought something from here down the years.
But after decades as a fixture on the town's high street, the much-loved business is set to join the long list of traditional sports shops that have been consigned to history.
Colin and Alan plan to retire at the end of April, but the brothers insist they are going out on their own terms - and say trade is better than ever.
"It's the end of an area but it can't go on forever," said Alan.
"We could be here another ten years if we wanted but with me being 70, I thought it was time to pack up. I'd like to put my feet up."
The shop, in Bolton Street, has been in Alan and Colin's family since their father, Jack, purchased it in 1974. Prior to that, it was GH Lupton and Sons and previously Harry Orr's - both of which were also sports shops.
The Heskeths were no stranger to the sporting goods industry, having previously run successful shops in Gorton - which Jack purchased from former Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City footballer Alex Donaldson - as well as Hyde, Burnley and Bournemouth.
About a year after taking on the shop, the family decided to change its name to Bury Sports and Trophies. At the time, such businesses were a familiar sight on high streets up and down the country.
In Greater Manchester alone, Alan estimates that there were once more than 25 family-owned sports shops.
"Now every single one has gone," he explained. "We are the last one. For the last few years, we've been the only one left.
"From here to the Lake District, I can't think of a single one. This is the last of a dying breed."
Colin and Alan have witnessed plenty of change within the industry since taking over the reins from their father in 1986.
The emergence of high street giants such as JJB Sports and Sports Direct in the 1990s made things harder for independent sports stores, many of whom struggled to compete with their discount-heavy offerings.
Bury Sports and Trophies did a strong trade in football boots until the larger retailers took over the market, Colin explains.
"Football was probably 70pc of the business," the 62-year-old said. "We had a fantastic range of football boots but they just overtook the market.
"We had all the Reebok and Nikes but then they suddenly weren't interested in shops like this. Instead of a thousand pound order, they took the million pound order."
Some businesses spotted the potential in the crossover between sports and fashion and set out in a different direction. Among them was JD Sports, which started out as a competitor to Bury Sports and Trophies with a single shop in Bury.
"They were the poor relations," laughs Colin.
As JD boomed and began opening stores across the UK, Colin and Alan decided to stick to what they knew best. As many of their peers fell by the wayside, the brothers battled on - their endurance largely down to their product knowledge, personal touch and loyal customer base.
"The sports trade has gone very much into fashion and less on the traditional equipment side," explained Alan, 70.
"A lot of shops have gone down the clothing and footwear route. We've decided to avoid that and stick to traditional sports gear.
"The two main things that killed the trade for most people were online shopping and large chain stores.
"We do very well with crown green bowls, cricket, darts, snooker and trophies. They are the things you can't really get at Sports Direct.
"There's lots of things we sell now that we would not have even thought of selling back then."
Bury Sports and Trophies has long been a treasure trove of sporting paraphernalia. Whether you're after a bowling ball, roller skates or a frisbee, you're likely to find it in there.
The shop also stocks a range of trophies and offers its own engraving service. Over the years, famous faces including Liam Gallagher, Coronation Street stars and members of the Buzzcocks have visited the shop.
Today, it remains frozen in time - a relic of a time in which family-run businesses lined Britain's bustling high streets.
"I hope there's a future for shops like this but I don't think there is," said Colin. "The product knowledge you would have to have advising people on what gum shield they need, that's all been learned over the years.
"You couldn't just jump into it and you'd be mad to. I think we're the end of the line as far as this type of shop goes."
Since announcing their plans to shut the historic shop, the brothers say they have been inundated with messages of support from loyal customers.
"We've had lots of people just popping their heads in the door to say they'll be sorry to see us go and that we've served Bury well," said Alan. "It's been quite touching really."
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