A staple of Reading’s music scene will be closing on Christmas Eve after many years of business.

Apex Music Shop on Wokingham Road will close after owner Al Plummer has announced he is retiring.

“I want to stress we’re not closing down because of anything sinister,” he said. “We’re not going bust or anything, it has just come to that point now.”

Mr Plummer has owned Apex for 26 years, and within that time it has been popular among famous musicians.

“I’ve worked on Brian May’s (Queen) guitars. The Hoosiers, who performed “Goodbye Mr A” have bought stuff from me.”

Mr Plummer also recalled that the hit teen band The Vamps had bought their first guitars from his shop.

When asked how he plans to spend his retirement, Mr Plummer said “I shall be playing much more music.”

Mr Plummer is currently in a duo called Cinnamon Road and has been playing in bands for 50 years.

He said: “Massive thank you to all the musicians in Reading for the support over the years – and it's not a job, I just go into work to socialise and sell a bit of stuff.”