AN era will end this weekend when a long-established firm moves from a historic town centre site.

The departure of Berry’s Animal Feeds from Sumner Street in Blackburn will bring down the curtain on the town’s former cattle market.

The firm, founded 40 years ago by Joseph Berry, is making way on Friday and the site will, in time, be redeveloped to become the new home of Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School.

Berry’s, now run by sisters Denise Berry and Sandra Patterson with business partner Robert Clarke, is planning a big opening event on Saturday to launch its new home in Throstle Street, only a short walk away.

But the sisters, who live near Kirkham, admit they will be “very sad” to say farewell to the cattle market site after so many years.

Ms Berry, 50, said: “We will be having a big open day on Saturday with lots of special offers and giveaways.

“The new premises are twice as big and more modern and we have a lot of loyal customers who will make the move with us.

“But it is very sad. We did not want to go really but we are having to.”

Berry’s is to continue in much the same vein as it settles into its new home, although the bigger premises will allow for some new ideas.

Dog grooming will be available at Throstle Street and a free slimming club for dogs is to start. The stock will also be more varied.

Ms Patterson, 55, said: “We are increasing the stock and the choices. What we do is based on a very personal service and that’s what people like.”

Tauheedul, which attracts students from across East Lancashire, has been housed on a temporary site in Shadsworth Road since it opened in 2012.

The award-winning school, which was rated third in the country for progress made by students last year, will also open a new 200-space sixth form.