It has given them a good living, friendships and even led to them becoming godparents to the children of two customers.

But Wolverhampton-based antiques dealers Kathy and Robert Carter will bring 42 years of memories to an end today when they close their business Wood ‘N’ Things for the last time.

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Mrs and Mrs Carter, who have just turned 60 and 65 respectively, have reluctantly decided to bring the curtain down on the passion that has dominated their lives.

“We haven’t had a holiday for 40 years,” admitted Mr Carter.

His wife added: “The shop has become an obsession and we have lived it and breathed it over the years.

“It is almost a 24-hour-a-day job.”

Antique sales and furniture restoration was a natural direction for the Carters to take.

“My great grandfather was an auctioneer so it is in my blood, and Robert was already an antique restorer “ said Mrs Carter.

“Initially it was a hobby but it grew into a passion and we thought ‘why not turn it into a business?”

Tens of thousands of precious items have passed through their hands since the business opened in Penn Road. But the couple, along with their dog Buffy, have also formed many priceless friendships.

One pair of satisfied customers even asked the Carters to be godparents to their two sons.

“We are quite reluctant to go but we have got to a stage where we think maybe there is a life outside the shop,” she said.