THE owner of an iconic shop that has survived everything that's been thrown her way for 30 years is shutting at the end of next month.

Alison McKinley is holding a mega sale ahead of closing Carousel Pig, which has been a feature of Wiveliscombe High Street since 1990.

Mrs McKinley describes the shop as "an eclectic emporium of all sorts of things".

She added: "It's grown and evolved.

"We sell all sorts - jewellery, gifts, clothing, greetings cards, cushions and lots more.

"But after 30 years, it's time to call it a day, to put my feet up a little bit and start enjoying life.

"It will be a loss to Wiveliscombe and is an idea business in a prime position that's ideal for someone with the time and energy to take on."

The business and an upstairs flat has been on the market for some time without a buyer being found.

"I'll be leaving with mixed feelings," said Mrs McKinley, 66, who previously ran an antiques shop in Milverton.

"But I'm looking forward to another phase of my life.

"There's a sadness that nobody wants to take it on and customers are coming in saying how sad it is that it's closing."

A sale has been running since the start of the year, with all clothing half price and plenty of other bargains.

Mrs McKinley, who will continue to live in the town, said: "Whoever takes it on will have a prime position shop which they would be able to live over and with the advantage of enjoying rural rate relief.

"The business has a good reputation. It's been through recession, foot and mouth and personal tragedy and it's still survived."

Mrs McKinley will continue to run Carousel Pig online, which will enable her to free up her time rather than being in the shop from 10am to 5pm every day.