IT’S the end of an era for Porthmadog as photographer Nigel Hughes shuts up shop.

Nigel has been trading in the town for 40 years but closed the doors of his High Street shop for the final time on Thursday.

He opened his first photographic shop in New Street in 1981.

This was followed by a move to 120 High Street in 1988.

But now Nigel is letting go of the shop he has manned for four decades.

“After 40 years of trading, it is time to retire from my role as shopkeeper,” he told the Cambrian News.

“There are too many people to thank at this time, but I would like to name my wife Eurian for her constant support, the late Emyr and Dilys Williams who encouraged me in the early days and the late Mr Wyn Roberts who gave me the confidence to succeed.

“Special thanks to all my hardworking staff over the years but above all, to you, my loyal customers and friends without whom the business would not have been a success.

“Despite looking forward to a more relaxing lifestyle, I intend to continue with my photographic services and can be contacted on my mobile.”

Porthmadog (East) councillor, Nia Jeffreys, said: “Nigel has given so much to our community in Porthmadog and across Gwynedd over the last 40 years.

“Always willing to get involved in local events with great energy and passion.

“His work as a photographer has marked important milestones in the town’s history – in happy and sad times Nigel has been there to record Porthmadog and its people and I know I speak for many when I say thank you.”

Nigel can be contacted on 07836 360621.