WHEN Hickmans was founded in 1928, home entertainment consisted solely of radios and gramophones. These days, there is a whole world of options that grows by the day.

Hickmans, which moved to its current Victoria Road site 40 years ago, has always been at the forefront of bringing the latest and best to its customers.

Its stock includes brands such as Panasonic, Sony sand Roberts, meaning it is able to combine keen pricing with good quality.

Managing director Mike Symonds said: "As an independent business, we can keep track of changes in the technology and advise customers about it."

According to Mr Symonds, the industry has never been the same since an explosion of innovation that began at the end of the 1960s and led to the video age and all that has come along since.

He believes it is likely that the next stage will involve our using single high-tech hubs to control entertainment throughout our homes, and that this will happen sooner rather than later. Whatever new inventions come along, though, Hickmans will be there to being it to local people.