AFTER 113 years of trading, Ledbury Market is to close this summer.

The site is to be developed as a local hospital, nursing home and doctor's surgery by Shaw Homes, who say they have acquired 75 per cent of the shares from the board of Ledbury Market and Fairs Co Ltd, the owners.

The closure will be a particularly sad day for auctioneer Howard Pugh of H J Pugh and Co, who has worked in the market for more than 30 years. Mr Pugh said it was hoped to continue with the weekly sheep market until late summer.

The market is particularly favoured by breed societies for their sales. The Gloucester Old Spots Society and the Shropshire Sheep Society hold their annual sales at Ledbury.

Mrs Sue Farquhar of Canon Frome, said the market was ideal for the smaller sales.

Mr Gordon Gilbert, chairman of the county branch of the National Farmers' Union, said markets had to be viable to survive. Fortunately, there were alternative market facilities not far away.

The saleroom will remain open with more versatile sales.

This Saturday, a sale of classic and vintage motor cycles will draw buyers from different parts of the world.