A LYDNEY couple have shut up shop for the last time after 28 years.

Pauline and Malcolm Cooper handed over the keys of Orchard Stores, in Orchard Road, to new owners on (Monday, November 21).

Mrs Cooper said: “It’s been hard work but we’ve enjoyed it.

“We’ve got some lovely customers and we’re going to miss them and our staff.”

The couple originally made ice cream on a local industrial estate and then bought the building in Orchard Road.

They made the ice cream on the first floor and opened the shop “as an afterthought”.

For more than 20 years they also ran a bakery in the building.

The shop’s official opening hours are 8am until 9pm but there was also preparation time and administration on top of that.

Mr Cooper said: “It’s going to be a bit strange not having to get up.”

They are looking forward to having some time away and Mr Cooper also has a smallholding near Newnham.

Among those wishing the Coopers well was Forest of Dean district councillor Bill Osborne.

He said: “They’ve been an important part of the local community.”

The new owners are a couple from East Grinstead in Sussex.