A new shop that has not yet been open a month in Melksham is doing fantastic business beyond what its owner Sarah Smart anticipated.

Face Value employs three members of staff from the business it replaced.

The shop sells ex-chain store ladies', children's and babies' clothing in the High Street, which was previously occupied by Wishing Well Shoes.

Sarah Smart runs Face Value with her mother Helen.

They already have a similar shop in Church Street, Calne and the business is part of a bigger wholesale organisation that sells surplus stock from high street stores like Adams, Etam, Dorothy Perkins and Next to outlets all over the world.

Sarah Smart said: "It was clear there was a need to open another shop and when this place came up in Melksham, it was perfect.

"To have the chance to take on experienced staff was a real bonus. I thought the shop would do well but it's exceeded expectations and I am delighted with our first few weeks' trading."

The venture has also re-united old school pals.

Solicitor Stephen Cave, of Wiltshire law firm Goughs, has helped the Smarts open their new business.

Mr Cave and Helen Smart were at school together at Calne Junior School.

"Mrs Smart said: "Stephen has been a tremendous help in making the transaction as trouble-free as possible. "