The oldest bicycle shop in the world is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.

Pearson Cycles has been trading from the same shop on Sutton High Street since 1860.

The shop began as a general blacksmiths, set up by 29-year-old Thomas Pearson who moved his family in upstairs.

At first bicycles represented only part of the business but, as the popularity of the new form of transport grew, so too did its hold on the business.

Then in the early 1900s Harry Pearson, who took over the shop from his father, made the decisive move to focus only on bicycles.

The shop is now run by brothers Guy,42, and William,40, who are the fifth generation of Pearsons to run the shop.

Guy Pearson said the secret to their success is the knowledge and high level of service which has been passed down through the generations.

He said: “A good level of service has been taught to us by our fathers and their fathers.

“We have a very loyal customer base and have always offered a broad range of products and services.”

Mr Pearson said in recent years he and his brother have had to tackle the new problem of competition from cut price internet deals.

The brothers have responded by offering an internet busting service and setting up their own on-line presence in 1994.

The shop's website was given a revamp earlier this year as part of their anniversary celebrations.

The big question now is whether the next generation will want to continue the family legacy.

Mr Pearson said: “I have three daughters and William has two sons but they are all very young so it is too early to say - but there are there, waiting in the wings.

“We are very happy to carry on as we are and we look forward to the next 100 years.”

For more information about Pearson Cycles see pearsoncycles.co.uk.