A POPULAR Rhyl shop specialising in collectible items, such as comics and vinyl records, has closed down over the weekend.

The Rhyl Comics and Disc co, which has been situated on Sussex Street, Water Street and Wellington Road, officially shut down on Saturday, having served the community for 27 years.

The independent store, specialising in comic books, graphic novels, figures, posters, t-shirts, movie memorabilia and so much more, was run by Stuart Stevenson.

Over the years, Mr Stevenson, 63, who also has a second shop back home in Chester, has accumulated more than 100,000 comics.

Some of his American comics at the Rhyl store even date as far back as the 1960's.

Although approached but unavailable for comment before the Rhyl Journal went to print, Mr Stevenson has previously told us, on the shop's 25th anniversary year, that Rhyl 'was the place to be'.

He had spent his holidays in the town as a youngster and decided to set up shop there.

Mr Stevenson said at the time that some of his favourite collections include Hellblazers and Preacher and added that he was a 'big fan' of the late Jack Kirby’s work.

He also hailed comics as a 'smart investment'.

A statement on the Rhyl Comics and Disc Co Facebook page thanked customers for their support over the years.

On that post, several people paid tribute to the shop's contribution to Rhyl during its 27 year stay in the town.

One user wrote: "Sorry to hear, I'll miss having a good dig through those long boxes whenever I was in town."

Another disappointed fan added: "I am so so sorry to hear this I really loved going there and feeling at home and welcome and a huge thanks to stu and shaun for the opportunity to work with you at comic con's and in the shop itself".