ONE of Ilminster’s favourite independent shops will be closing down next month.

After eight years of successful trading in East Street, the Amazing Dolls House and Toy Company will be saying a fond farewell to the town on Friday, July 29, as its owners go into 'semi-retirement'.

Sue and Steve Maylor started the business to fulfil Sue’s dream of running a shop. With her interest in things in miniature a shop selling dolls’ houses seemed the perfect idea.

The business became a huge success both with locals and collectors who travelled from all over the South West and further afield to visit.

Steve said: "We have had a fantastic time working here - the best thing has been meeting all our wonderful customers, many of who have become friends.

“While we are closing the business we have made Ilminster our home – we like the town very much and will be staying locally.”

The shop also provides a number of other services to townsfolk, including key cutting and shoe repairs – the latter of which will now be transferred to Harrimans on Silver Street.

Sue said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their loyal support over the years.”

The new owners are planning to open an antiques and collectables business on site and Steve wanted to wish them all the best in their new venture.

Steve added: “We're entering semi-retirement and will take a break and see what the future offers - we now want a new challenge which maybe will take up a bit less time.”

A closing down sale has now started to help sell all remaining stock.