The owner of a women's clothing shop in a Suffolk village has said his first year in business has been "tough but absolutely worth it" and thanked his staff and customers. 

Sean Garnham launched Hall Street Ladieswear in Long Melford, near Sudbury, on October 12 last year. 

No stranger to the industry, having run Hall Street Menswear in the village for more than a decade, Mr Garnham is now celebrating a year in business at his women's clothing store.

He said: "The whole economic climate has been quite tough for everybody. It hasn't been the easiest of years but things are never easy and the strive to maintain Long Melford's businesses goes on.

"We are fortunate that we do have great support from locals and visitors alike. We are lucky that we have got some great attractions that make it quite a destination and the ladieswear and menswear shop is doing our bit to continue that even further," he added. 

Inside Hall Street LadieswearInside Hall Street Ladieswear (Image: Sean Garnham) Mr Garnham, whose shop stocks everything from shoes and boots to jeans and dresses including popular country-style brands like Schoffel, R.M.Williams and GANT, praised his shop staff for their help over the last year. 

"I am very fortunate that I have got five very great ladies who are very supportive who work in the shop on a part time basis.

"It has been a learning curve to, because while I have 12 years of experience in menswear and many things are similar, it is also a different machine to the men's.

"It has been a tough 12 months all round but absolutely worth it," he added.

Hall Street Ladieswear from the outsideHall Street Ladieswear from the outside (Image: Sean Garnham)

To celebrate the milestone, Mr Garnham is offering customers a chance to win items including a Schoffel Lyndon Fleece, R.M.Williams Lady Yearling Boots, or a pair of Dubarry Galway Boots.

Visitors who make a purchase of £49 or more in the store between October 12 and 20 will be entered and the winner announced the following week.