A shop which led footwear fashion trends - from crepe wedges and winkle pickers to Doc Martens - is to shut after 45 years in Bradford.

The Doc Shop, formerly Industrial Footwear, is set to close in July.

The shock decision to shut came after owner and managing director Peter Stockdale was unable to find a buyer to take the business on when he retires.

The lease was due for renewal at the end of last year, which was one of the reasons why Mr Stockdale opted for retirement, but negotiations with would-be buyers failed to lead to a sale of the Thornton Road business.

He said regulars customers had been dumbfounded by the loss of the shop.

"After 45 years it is indeed very sad," said Mr Stockdale. "However our customers have been marvellous and the messages of good wishes have been heart-warming, with many customers as upset as we are at the impending closure,"

Industrial Trades Footwear, as the business was originally known, began in the early 1950s, and was sited in Nelson Street and Manningham Lane before moving to Thornton Road.

It was started by Leonard Whelan who made the shop famous by taking a lead in fashion trends in the north of England. Shoes sold included Teddy boy crepe wedges, loafers, monkey boots, winkle pickers, platforms and Doc Martens.

Since Mr Stockdale took over 21 years ago the business has expanded its safety ranges, selling products both in the shop and direct to industry.

The store changed its name to the Doc Shop incorporating Industrial Footwear in 1990, after expanding its Doc Martens range of footwear and clothing. The change reflected the shop's move to focusing on the Doc Marten brand without forgetting its businesses roots.

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