TODAY marked the end of an era, as Debenhams in Basingstoke closed its shutters for the very last time - alongside the company's few remaining stores across the country.

People gathered at Festival Place to see off the flagship department store which has stood there for nearly 20 years.

As the last few customers vacated, staff tore down the window displays, and were taking photographs and selfies to mark the moment.

The last shopper out was 36-year-old Vivian Ezekwe who had travelled all the way from Croydon for the final day.

She told the Gazette: "It's sad, because Debenhams is my favourite place to shop!"

Then, just after 4pm - an hour and a half before planned closure - the shelves were bare and the shutters went down for the final time.

Here's the moment Basingstoke bid farewell to Debenhams ...