Derby scrapyard Albert Looms to close after more than a century

Albert Looms started working with cars back in the 1970s

A Derby scrapyard is to close down after more than a century of trading.

Albert Looms, in Megaloughton Lane, Spondon, a stone's throw from the A52, announced this week that after 104 years, it was "time to call it a day".

No date has yet been set for the last day of trading, as a phased closure is planned.

The announcement added: "The Albert Looms staff wish to thank each and every one of you for your custom over the years."

The firm is well known in Derby

The business began in 1920, and originally traded in demolition work and dismantling rolling stock from the railways - with a direct rail link to the yard from Chaddesden Sidings.

The move into car dismantling and parts took place in the early 1970s.

Now the firm's directors have decided it is the right time to shut.

A phased closure is planned

Ray Kirk, operations manager, told the BBC the reaction to the announcement had surprised everyone at Albert Looms: "To be honest the reaction's been fantastic.

"We've had lots and lots of messages, all of them supportive, wishing us the best of luck.

"We've had so many comments, people reminiscing. We've been doing this for a lot of years. As the comments show we must have got something right."

The firm began life working on rolling stock from the railways