G W Gibbs and Son has come a long way since it first opened in Hall Place on August 29, 1908, when George William Gibbs sold his first pair of boots in the town for 16s.

The business has always been a family affair with five generations involved in the shoe trade and the running of the shop, along with branches in Wisbech and Ely.

Today George's great-grand-daughter Kate is at the helm, having taken over from her father Bernard in the late 1990s.

To mark the family's 100th year the Spalding shop is being refurbished and will have new fixtures and fittings in the children's department, as well as new carpets and curtains throughout.

Kate said the family is extremely proud of its longevity and achievements and hopes it can continue to flourish.

She added: "This has always been a family business throughout.

"It's not been easy since Springfields opened but we have just stuck to what we do well.

"We offer a good personal service, my staff are trained and have a good knowledge of fitting shoes and help people to find the right shoes."

The Gibbs family's association with footwear started with Kate's great-great-grandfather George Gibbs, who began his shoe-making business in Evesham in 1850.

His son George William realised the future lay in retailing and he moved to Spalding in 1908 with his wife and two sons and opened G W Gibbs and Son in the former Miss Jones Shoe Emporium from where they made and sold shoes.

On his return from serving in the First World War Kate's grandfather Frederick William opened the family's Wisbech shop while his brother George Reynolds stayed in Spalding with their father.

Bernard followed his father into the family business and steered it forwards with his wife Jean, who still helps out, until Kate stepped into his shoes.

She is helped by manager Mary Moore, who has been with the company for 27 years, assistant manager Mandy Stricksen, and a small team of around five employees.

Kate thanked all Gibbs' customers past and present for their continued support over the years and added: "We are aiming to still concentrate on service and shoe fitting, which is a very important part of the business.

"We are aiming to stick to a variety of good quality brands, supporting English makes, and continue what we are doing with the support of the people of Spalding."

Gibbs, which stocks shoes, bags, boots and accessories, will be closed for four days while the refurbishment is carried out from January 29.

To mark the business's 100th year Kate is hoping to organise a get-together for staff past and present.

Anyone who used to work at the shop can get in touch by dropping in or calling 01775 723091.