A POPULAR clothes shop that has been trading in Bromsgrove town centre for almost 50 years is set to close this spring.

County Kasuals first opened in Coronation House, Church Street, in September 1965.

Over the past five decades it has been run by Meryl Baldwin, whose ambition as a school girl was always to open her other clothes shop.

Meryl said: "When I first started I didn't know Bromsgrove at all.

"The town is completely different to when I first started - there are less independent traders today."

She began her career in the fashion business as a buyer for Marshall and Snelgrove in Birmingham - which Meryl described as the "Harrods of Birmingham".

She went on to build a large loyal clientele, some travelling from outside the district to purchase her clothes.

"I want to thank my customers for supporting me over the years," Meryl said.

"Personal service had been my watch words.

"It has been hard work but I have enjoyed it."

Meryl will be retiring after the shop closes, which she expects will be sometime in March.