CHILDREN of all ages across Malvern will be left bereft when the Toy Corner in Barnards Green shuts its doors for the last time this weekend.

The decision to shut the business in Barnards Green Road has been taken for personal reasons by co-owners Helen Portman and Carol Brooks.

They took over the shop seven years ago, from Sue Mackintosh, who has run it for 15 years before that.

Mrs Brooks said: "We've had a lovely time running the shop and it's been very successful. We've always tried to stock a wide range of gifts for £10 or under, party presents, pocket-money toys, the sort of thing that you can't get in Argos.

"People have come from far and wide to shop here and we've seen children being brought up by their parents at a very young age and growing up as the years go by.

"We're very grateful to our customers for all the support over the years. We'll miss them and we want to thank all of them."

The Toy Corner played a big part in community life as part of the Barnards Green Traders' Association, taking part in fundraising and supporting local causes and events such as the carnival.

Jane Knowles of the traders' association said: "Helen and Carol have worked incredibly hard over the years and have been one of the mainstays in all our efforts.

"We will miss them terribly, but on behalf of all the traders we want to send our love and wish them all the best."