It is the end of an era and the beginning of a new as the owners of a much-loved village store have closed the shop shutters for the final time.

For 50 years they have been at the heart of the community running Reydon village store, but now the Barbrook family has sold their popular shop to new owners.

Anita and Ken Barbrook began trading in 1960 from Stradbroke Road, Southwold, moving to Reydon six years later taking charge of a shop on Lowestoft Road- where the couple's children David, Matthew, Lynne and Carol all grew up.

Anita Barbook, 80, said: 'It has been like a journey for us and over the years, we have enjoyed meeting customers and making so many friends in the process.'

In 1983 the current village shop was opened on Lowestoft Road, opposite the first Barbrook store, which Matthew Barbrook explains was 'built on my old football pitch!'

Three generations have worked for the business - currently working in the store are daughters Lynne and Carol, grandchildren Joe and Millie Barbrook,

A family-centred approach saw the shop becoming the community's focal point, an approach set to continue under new owners Henry and Leigh Turner with their daughters five month old Mathilda, Rosie, 4, and Emi, 7.

The Frostenden couple took the helm on September 18 and Mr Turner, 38, explained: 'It is something my family can grow into. All the staff will remain and the store's name will not change as we want to continue the good work of the Barbrook family.'

Matthew Barbrook added: 'We would like to take the opportunity to thank our customers for their continued support and to thank all the staff we have had over the years for their hard work. Thank you to Lynne and Carol who are continuing in the business, they will be a huge advantage to Leigh and Henry.

'The only negative is Henry is a big Norwich City supporter when the Barbrook family are Ipswich fans!'