AN insurance company which has served the people of Bacup for nearly 11 years is to close on Sunday.

Healey Starr, run by partners Tom Healey and Les Starr, has been bought out by MTM of Union Street, Bacup.

Tom has worked in the industry for 20 years and Les for 30 years, they were at Prudential Assurance before setting up the business, but both said they were now looking for a complete change of career.

The company was originally based at King Street, but latterly in St James Square. Les said: "I can remember our first customer, he was pounced on by three members of staff and he is still a customer of ours nearly 11 years on."

Tom said: "The insurance world is changing, with everyone offering insurance from banks to building societies and even Kwik Fit and more people buying insurance over the phone or on the Internet.

"The only way to survive is to become larger and we were made an offer for the business we couldn't refuse.

"The reaction of customers has been very sad because we know most of our clients on a first name basis. We would like to thank all of our customers for their support over the years."