EARLY retirement didn't suit a Trowbridge businesswoman so she has reopened her shop on new premises.

Keren Smith, 57, ran K Fabrics at Church Walk for eight years but, when her lease was up, in January last year, she decided to take early retirement.

She said: "I thought about it and I couldn't really find any other premises that were big enough so I decided I would retire early.

"I was at home for two months and I regretted it, I don't think being at home full time suits me I found it boring.

"My husband is retired and he was doing the cooking and cleaning and gardening and enjoying it. When I was at home as well, there wasn't enough for both of us to do."

Mrs Smith decided she would re-open the shop in new premises and, on December 6, the new K Fabrics Shop opened just around the corner from the old premises, on Church Street.

The shop sells a wide range of wools and materials for clothes making and fabric crafts.

As well as the goods for sale Mrs Smith, who has two adult children and two grandsons, has also decided to offer sewing lessons to people of all ages.

She said: "Children don't do a lot of sewing in schools any more and I thought I would see if I can encourage more people to take it up."

Mrs Smith makes most of her clothes herself and makes a lot of garments for her family, including jackets, shirts and trousers.

She enjoys creating individual designs that you could never buy in a shop and wants to encourage others to do the same.

"I can make clothes that actually fit properly, which you can't always get in the shops.

"It can be cheaper making your own clothes, although that depends on the fabrics you use, but in the end you have something completely unique that you couldn't get anywhere else."

One person she has taught to sew made three garments in three months, all of which she decided were good enough to wear to family weddings.

Anyone interested in the lessons can contact Mrs Smith on (01225) 774129. She is also looking for a partner to join her in the business.