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Much-loved model shop closes after 40 years

BBC Two model aeroplanes hanging on the shop ceiling, with model making kits in the background. BBC
P&S Hobbies and Models on Walmgate will close on 18 January

A model shop in York is set to close after more than 40 years of trading in the city centre.

P&S Hobbies and Models on Walmgate will shut on 18 January, having spent four decades serving model-making customers.

They described owners Paul and Sue Lamming as "incredible" and said that the business was one of the few remaining shops catering to hobbyists.

Mr Lamming said: "It's a sad day really, it's been a lifetime."

The shop has been part of Walmgate since 1981, after the couple spent nearly three years looking for a premises in York.

"Eventually they rang us up and said this property was available, and the rest is history!"

"My favourite memories are just helping people," said Mr Lamming, 74.

"All my life, I've repaired things for people, and I've never charged them. I'll fix anything for anybody, and I enjoy doing that."

The shop is closing because the building is being redeveloped by its owners.

Paul, a white man with round silver glasses and a black coat with his wife Sue, who is white with short brown hair and a grey and blue coat.
The shop is owned by Paul and Sue Lamming

But the world of model-making has changed drastically since the store opened, Mr Lamming added.

"When we started plastic kits were a really good seller, and as people have got older, the younger generations are doing things like war gaming instead."

David has been a regular customer at the model shop for more than 30 years.

"It's very sad, but things are changing in modelling now." he said.

"I'm probably one of the few people who enjoys building the models more than flying them.

"When Paul started up there were half a dozen model shops in York, and now we're down to one."

A white man with black glasses and white hair, wearing a dark green jacket and red jumper. Behind him are stacks of model making kits.
David has been visiting the store for 30 years

Barbara was visiting the shop from Malton with her husband who is an avid truck builder.

"I just think it's a shame because they've been here 44 years now," she said.

"I just love them to bits. Even when we aren't buying anything, we still visit them."

Bernard started coming to the shop when he moved to the area 13 years ago.

"When you're into modelling, to find somebody that is so helpful as they are in here is just incredible.

"Everything now is online, and what you get when you come in is that personal touch."

The shop front of P&S Hobbies and Models with a which background and green lettering, and model kits in the window.
P&S Hobbies and Models has been on Walmgate since the 1980s

The couple will continue to run their other shop in Scarborough, where their stock will move to.

Mr Lamming added: "We're going to miss them all, we've had some of the best customers you could ever want."

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