It has been part of Dereham's High Street for 18 years - and now an air of sadness has taken over Wilko in its final days.

Some staff members who have worked at the shop since it shop opened in 2005 will be there to see it close for the final time on September 24.

Eastern Daily Press: Inside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for goodInside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for good (Image: Aaron McMillan)

One of the staff members, who helped stock shelves before the store's grand opening, 18 years ago, said: “This was an empty building which four staff members, who are still here, helped put together.

“Now I am sad to be part of the team closing it down, I will be here until the very end.”

Eastern Daily Press: Inside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for goodInside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for good (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Another original staff member, who also asked not to be named, said: “It is absolutely gutting.

“The team of us here which were at the shop's beginning to build it up and fill the stock are now dismantling it.

“It's gut-wrenching how it has ended. I am now looking at what is about, in regard to jobs.

"I will take a few weeks out and see what comes next.”

Eastern Daily Press: Inside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for goodInside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for good (Image: Aaron McMillan)

On Thursday, the store's shelves were almost barren as customers take advantage of its closing-down sale.

Bthere were still some people in the store grabbing the last of the items which had been slashed in price. 

Others spoke to staff members who have been a part of their lives for years.

One of the customers was Brenda Daynes, from Easton, who travels to Dereham to go shopping.

She said: “It is a shame that Wilko is closing. It also has an impact on towns, high streets across the country look worse because of the shops closing.

“I feel for the staff members who are losing their jobs.”

All of Wilko’s 400 shops will close by early October, and each of its 12,500 staff members is likely to be made redundant. 

Eastern Daily Press: Inside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for goodInside Wilko on Dereham High Street in its final days of trading, after 18 years, the shop is closing its doors for good (Image: Aaron McMillan)