AN ANIMAL-LOVING couple have waved goodbye to their business after 17 years.

Tim Eley and his wife Laura have ran Supa Pet, in The Maltings shopping precinct, Uttoxeter, for the past 17 years.

The pair admitted they were sad to say farewell to their loyal customers who would always share amusing anecdotes about their pets.

Tim said: "After having the shop for so many years it was a difficult decision but it was time for a change.

"It was the right time to sell up."

New owners, Cliff and Sarah Jones, took over the shop on Monday.

They have pledged to carry on in the same tradition as their predecessors.

Tim added: "It will still be a pet shop and the staff will keep their jobs – the only difference there will be is that I won't be there."

Tim will now have more time to focus on his job as a sales representative which he did alongside running the shop.

He said: "I dealt with people all of the time and of course I will miss them.

"I will miss everything about the shop and it will take some getting used to.

"Over time I have had regular customers and I will miss the banter we shared but there comes a time when you need to move on and I have to adapt now.

"We just want to thank the people of Uttoxeter for all of their support over the years and we would like to wish the new owners all the best."

Cliff and Sarah, who have previous experience of running pet shops, are settling into their new venture.

And they like Uttoxeter so much they are also considering moving from their home in Stone to the market town.

Cliff said: "We are working hard to get the shop sorted and we are looking forward to welcoming Tim's loyal customers."

The couple plan to hold an official opening later this month.

Meanwhile, another business in The Maltings is moving to new premises.

Delight – which supplies Yankee Candles – will now be based in Church Street, Uttoxeter.

Owner Deborah Merrick said: "The new shop is more in-keeping with our image."

The shop will be continuing to trade in its usual unit until Saturday, February 27.