A FAMILY jewellery shop has relocated within Eastleigh after a quarter of a century in its old premises.

David Mellor Jewellers moved from the old location in the High Street to the new premises in the Swan Centre.

The move has brought an extra four members of staff to their company, making it a gem of a year for them.

Wife and co-director Christine Mellor said it was part of a “big change” for the shop which had been in Smith Bradbeer House for 25 years.

Christine, 59, said that while the first store had served the firm well, it had insufficient space to accommodate its expanding product lines.

“Although where we were was small it served its purpose,” she said. “For 25 years we have built a large customer base but we hadn’t been able to find a replacement for it.

“Then we found a place in the Swan Centre and the rest, as they say, is history.

“We have moved just round the corner and it appears to be the correct decision.

“Given enough time, we’re confident that it’s going to work.

“We weren’t able to stock the brands that we could display at our other two shops in Totton and Andover, it was very restrictive. We just had to move.

“It has been a big year for us as a small family business . It’s been hard but very exciting.”