A florist has handed the shop she ran for 18 years over to one of her staff, who had worked with her for 18 months.

Joan Forrest has passed on Flower Time, in Swan Street, Longtown, to Charlotte Wigham this week.

Mrs Wigham, 27, who lives in Longtown, has wasted no time and has already redecorated the store.

She said: “I worked for Joan for 18 months and I just found what I wanted to do. She basically gave me the opportunity.”

Before working in the store the mother of three had been working as a barmaid in the town’s social club.

“I am a bit nervous and excited at the same time,” she added.

“I am getting used to everything and it is just about getting organised. I love flowers and you are often doing things for special occasions and generally making people happy.”

Mrs Forrester, 67, who also lives in Longtown, said: “It is the end of an era but I am coping with it. I do not think I would be happy if I did not know that it was going into good hands.”

The grandmother of four is pleased to be giving Mrs Wigham a chance to run her own business.

“I am very pleased for her,” she added.

Mrs Forrester also said she had been congratulated by people in Longtown on her work over the years.

She joked: “I am going to have to have a party for all the wine.”