ONE of Guisborough's best-known shops is to close at the end of this month, after 43 years in the town.

The Wool Shop, at 7 Market Place, is being taken over by Saltburn Animal Rescue Association.

Margaret Tones originally opened the business as D and M Wool Shop in Westgate with her sister, Dorothy, in 1963. She has decided to retire at the age of 67.

She said: "My sister is in ill health and I can't manage on my own.

"Trade has gone down over the years and competition from the bigger shops has driven the business down somewhat. We used to have five staff, but now we are down to just two."

The sisters moved to their premises in the 17th century building in the Market Place in 1976.

Then they sold tapestry materials and ladies' clothes, as well as wool and other materials. More recently, trade has been confined to tapestry kits and knitting wool.

Miss Tones said: "We still have some nice customers and we will miss them. But we just want a good rest and be able to please ourselves what we do and when we do it. We have no real plans yet."

One of the features that customers will miss is the continuous presence of Miss Tones' West Highland white terrier. The latest in a long line of the breed to inhabit the shop is two-year-old Tyler.

Miss Tones said: "We have always had a West Highland white in the shop.

"Tyler has his own special window. Everybody knows him and he knows all our regular customers."

The shop will be handed over to SARA on May 28 and is expected to re-open in July.