Villagers have lamented the 'end of an era' after the closure of a shop that had traded for more than 130 years.

Roy Wilkerson Hardware, on Old Road in Acle, was a lifeline for villagers since it first opened as a blacksmiths in 1891.

The shop was hailed as an Aladdin's Cave that "always had what you needed" and one of the best village hardware stores around. 

For the last 30 years it had been run by Keith Miller, 75, who announced last November that he was planning to retire.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Wilkersons hardware shop in Acle was a 'lifeline' for villagers.Wilkersons hardware shop in Acle was a 'lifeline' for villagers. (Image: Supplied)

At the time, he said he was hoping to sell the shop to a new owner who might be able take the business into the 21st century. 

Those plans have not worked out, however, and the shop has closed.

Roy Wilkerson opened the business as a hardware store approximately 50 years ago and when Mr Miller joined he was Mr Wilkerson's business partner.

When Mr Wilkerson retired, Mr Miller bought the business and ran it since then.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Wilkersons in Acle first opened as a blacksmiths in 1891.Wilkersons in Acle first opened as a blacksmiths in 1891. (Image: Supplied)

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On social media, Acle residents mourned the closure of the shop and wished Mr Miller a happy retirement.

One man said it was "a great shame" and that the shop was "a little Aladdin's cave for DIY".

A woman said: "The end of an era. True customer service. You will be sorely missed by so many of us. Enjoy a well earned retirement."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Roy Wilkerson, fifth from the left, who opened Wilkersons hardware shop, pictured in 1961 behind the King's Head in Acle.Roy Wilkerson, fifth from the left, who opened Wilkersons hardware shop, pictured in 1961 behind the King's Head in Acle. (Image: Supplied)

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Mandy Rimmer, who runs High Grade House, a health and beauty shop in the village, said: "This place has been like a second home for the past ten years for all my DIY supplies.

"You have supplied me with everything big and small and even the unknown."

According to another woman, the village would not be the same after the closure.

Another said: "A great loss to Acle, hardly any of these good old fashioned shops left where you get great help and service."