After 34 years of owning and running Wiveliscombe's Carousel Pig, Alison McKinley is set to hand over the reins.

Alison, who turns 70 this year, took over the High Street shop in 1989, where she has sold everything from jewellery, clothing and cushions, ever since.

Having made a success of the business for over three decades, steering it through recession and pandemic, Alison is now preparing to move on. The business, which has become a fixture of the town, will survive, with a new owner set to take over in June.

Alison will be vacating the premises at the end of May, after which time she intends to travel to 'exotic' locales.

However, Alison won't be retiring in full - instead she'll continue to sell some products from the Emporium in Wellington where she already offers gift items and gems. Alison will also be selling her wares online.

Speaking to the Wellington Weekly, Alison said: "There’s been ups and downs, I’ve seen two or three recessions and Covid of course which made a big difference, but it survived through all those years. “I’m selling up because I am 70 this year and I want some time to put my feet up. I shall continue selling online and at the Emporium in Wellington. I have been there for three years, where I sell gift items and gems. I’ll still be working on a part-time basis."

In July Alison and her husband will be celebrating 50 years of marriage - and they are planning to getaway to Africa and India on their holidays. Alison said: "’I've been married for 50 years this year, we’re celebrating our golden anniversary on July 7. 

"We’d like to travel to exotic places, I’ve been to India and Africa a lot and I would like to revisit. I love the sights and smells of India."

Alison had a message of thanks for her loyal who have seen the business through her 34 years: "I want to thank all my customers over the years and I shall miss them more than they know."

Described by Alison as an 'eclectic emporium', the Carousel Pig is set to go under new ownership in June - where it will continue to sell a range of gift items and clothes.