A well-known media, picture framing and toy business which has been in Sandbach for over half a century is closing its doors due to the Covid pandemic.

Welsbys of Sandbach owner, Jenny Dodd, has decided to shut up shop and open the doors on a new chapter in her life.

Jenny has run the Hightown business for the last 18 years after buying it from the Welsby family.

Welsbys has been in Sandbach for over 50 years and has moved from various locations, the most recent being on Hightown.

The business is renowned in the town for taking passport photographs, bespoke picture framing, photographic services and selling gifts.

But the 56-year-old says two lockdowns and being shut for major key dates such as Easter and Christmas hit hard.

Jenny said: "We've loved restoring, printing and framing all your treasured memories over the years.

"Unfortunately the pandemic hit us hard and with certain expense increases on top it was just too much for our little shop to cope with."

Jenny said many customers have been close to tears and some have sent cards and flowers after breaking the news that the shop's last day is Saturday (October 16th)

"We will miss everyone so much but the time is right for me to do something different and look for a new challenge," said Jenny.

"I've enjoyed running the shop so much and made lots of friends but it's time to do something different."

The shop currently has a 60 per cent sale on existing stock including toys and picture frames.

An avid picture framer, Jenny will be offering bespoke picture framing at nearby Sandbach Art Room in Bradwall Road, Sandbach on Saturdays.