A HARDWARE store in Pershore has a new owner.

Nick Green, who had run Browns Home Hardware since 2007, sold the shop earlier this month to focus on running holiday cottages in Cornwall.

It is now in the hands of Brian Marshall, who also runs Vale Domestic Services Ltd (Pershore) and has some exciting plans to move the business forward.

“We are very excited to be taking on this long-standing traditional business,” said Mr Marshall.

“When we heard that Nick was planning to retire it became apparent that the people of Pershore wanted it to remain a hardware store.

“We decided to take up the challenge and run it alongside our existing business, Vale Domestic Services.

“Unfortunately time moves on and change is inevitable but rest assured we will only make changes for the better. As in new lines and ranges for all your decorating and DIY needs, along with new lines for trading customers. I hope that everyone can support us in this new venture, old and new”.

Browns Home Hardware has been a fixture of Pershore’s High Street since 1913, when it started life as WL Brown Ironmongers.

During the Second World War Graham Brown, a flight engineer for Stirling Bombers, was medically discharged from the RAF as a result of injury and he took over the running of the shop from his father.

Years later, Mr Green started working in the store as a 13-year-old ‘Saturday Boy’, and would eventually take over the ownership himself.

For the past three years he has been living in Cornwall and now plans to focus solely on running a holiday cottage complex with his partner.

“It is with a heavy heart to leave the shop, but I am thrilled that the business will continue as a going concern, and that all my staff are enthusiastic to support Brian,” he said.

“I would like to especially thank my store manager Ian Johns, and all the staff that have helped the business especially during some very difficult times, and to pass on thanks to all my customers past and present for their support and loyalty.

“As we have all witnessed, the economy has not been good for the traditional High Street, and though times continue to be tough, it’s comforting to know that for some shops and businesses, the future is indeed positive.”