WORCESTER clothing alterations and tailoring centre the ZipYard rewarded a regular customer when it hit a trading milestone recently.

Customer Gaynor Bruce was given a surprise last week when she popped into the firm to restyle an evening dress.

ZipYard owner Paul Meredith presented Mrs Bruce with a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the fact that her alteration was the 5,000th transaction to be managed since the ZipYard opened 10 months ago.

The Malvern customer, who was one of the ZipYard’s first customers when it opened, said: "Clothes are more than pieces of fabric. Often they have special memories. Sometimes they just need a bit of tlc which is where the ZipYard can help.

"They have altered everything including blouses, dresses and suits and they have always done a professional job. I am delighted to be their 5,000th customer – it was a lovely surprise.”

Mr Meredith added: “As I was checking in a repair to the system I released how close we were getting to the 5,000th transaction milestone so kept a watchful eye on the collection receipt numbers.

"I can’t believe we have now reached this point, so quickly, in less than 12 months trading.

“We have many loyal regular customers including Mrs Bruce and it was a happy coincidence that her alteration took us to the magic 5,000 figure.”

Zipyard's computer point of sale (POS) system allowed Mr Meredith to check on the numbers, which also showed that a total of 3,600 customers had used ZipYard.

The most popular repair was shortening trousers and jeans, with alterations to skirts and dresses and zip replacements also among the most requested alterations.

For more on ZipYard visit thezipyard.com.