A FAMILY firm which has been manufacturing beds in Huddersfield for almost a century will close its doors.

Reston Beds, based at Ashbrow Mills, Bradford Road, will cease trading at the end of the month.

The firm, founded in 1912, has made a name for its hand-crafted beds and mattresses.

But managing director David Beaumont said falling sales and the trend towards new products had prompted the move to wind-up the business.

He said: "During the past two years, trading at Reston has been difficult and turnover has fallen by 25%."

The popularity of memory foam mattresses - now making significant inroads into the bedding market - and high levels of taxation had also played a part in the decision to close, he said.

The company was also struggling to source coir fibre - the husk of the coconut - which is one of the natural fibres used in the firm's mattresses.

Mr Beaumont said production would continue while stocks of raw material lasted, but that the firm expected to cease trading by the end of the month.

Four employees were made redundant before Easter, leaving the business to be run by Mr Beaumont, his wife Jeanette and their son Alex.

Reston Beds was formed by Mr Beaumont's grandfather Wilfred, who passed it on to his sons Philip and Sidney and daughter Margaret.

David Beaumont took over the business 16 years ago when his father Philip retired.

At that time, the firm moved from Tanyard Road, Quarmby, to larger premises at Ashbrow Mills.

The firm has been making hand-crafted beds for generations of customers across Yorkshire.

In the 1960s and 70s it supplied Huddersfield town centre shops, including Kaye's department store, before switching to direct selling.

As well as making "standard" products, Reston has provided special size mattresses and bases for use in caravans and boats.

Mr Beaumont offered "sincere thanks" to the firm's customers and staff over the years.

He said: "We have had a reputation for producing beds of the very highest quality using traditional hand- crafted techniques and natural fibre fillings.

"However, if there isn't a large enough market for this quality of product then it is time to close.

"We have to respond to changes in the market place as a whole."