MORE than a hundred customers and friends of Bet Jackson popped into Beds and Baskets in Highworth on Saturday to give her cards, flowers and their best wishes before she retired.

Bet opened the shop with her late husband Terry 11 years ago and it quickly became a popular one-stop shop for gardeners, pet owners and DIY enthusiasts.

Bet's co-worker Sally Foster and Terry's brother Andrew enjoyed chatting to the locals who popped in to reminisce about all the good times they'd had at the shop.

Bet said: "Bob came in to say hello earlier - he was one of Terry's favourite customers.

"They both used to drive lorries so they could sit and talk until the cows came home about different cafes and roads and things like that, they shared the same interests.

"Everyone's come in to wish me well and I've got more retirement cards than Christmas cards now, it's been great.

"I've always had a job ever since I left school at 15 so it'll be a bit strange not having to get up for work.

"It's nice to feel like I've done something and achieved something."

Sally said: "It's been absolutely packed today, everyone has come in to say goodbye, it was lovely.

"Bet's been here a long time and our customers have been really supportive and loyal right to the end, they're sad to see her go."

The shop will reopen on Monday January 2 with the same stock and longer business hours: 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Bet added: "We didn't just sell bits and pieces, we helped OAPs who came in with torches, radios and TV remotes, we'd change the batteries or put lightbulbs in at no charge, we helped them out in any we could.

"A little personal service goes a long way and there's not enough of that these days."