IT'S the end of an era and the beginning of another for popular Bury-based quality gift shop Paraphernalia.

The business, which for the past 30 years was run by the one family, has changed hands.

Previous owners Ron and Kate Eccles decided to sell up and to move into semi-retirement. Prior to the couple taking over, the business was run by Kate's parents.

New owners are John and Karen Tomson and the buying of Paraphernalia, located on The Rock, marks the couple's first involvement in the retail sector.

Mr Tomson said: "My wife worked for Barclays Bank in Bury and she will be running the shop. I will still be carrying on my job as a branch manager for a builders merchants. Because we deal with retailers, we know all about customer service. When we saw Paraphernalia up for sale, we decided to buy it as a partnership."

To mark the change of ownership, the shop will stage a symbolic official re-opening tomorrow (Sat Sept 21) with champagne for old and new customers.