A popular fashion business with almost 40 years of history will close its doors later this year.

Liz Monaghan, who owns She Ladies Clothes and Shoes in Attleborough, will retire from the shop on April 10 after 36 years in the trade.

The 68-year-old said she had chosen to spend more time with her family and would pursue new hobbies and interests.

Mrs Monaghan began the business with a boutique called She Fashions on Exchange Street when her daughters were old enough to begin school, which sold fashion for young people.

Nine years later she opened a separate shop - Instep Shoes - on the other side of the street.

The two were merged into its current form in 1988 and now employs three part-time staff and one other on a weekend.

'I've worked most Saturdays, if I haven't been away, for 36 years so I've got lots to do,' Mrs Monaghan said. 'I'll miss the customers and colleagues, who have become friends, but of course I'll stay in touch with them.

'It's a privilege to get a snippet into our clients' lives and helping them to dress for every occasion with their outfits and accessories. I love the people - I'm a people person and that's what's kept me going.'

Mrs Monaghan, who has two daughters and two young grandsons, said the shop organised between six and 10 fashion shows a year at places including the Women's Institute and flower clubs, as well as raising money for charity.

The business also took part in the first Attleborough Carnival fashion show at the Connaught Hall back in the late 1970s.

'When I started there were seven other shops in the town which sold clothing and now there are about five charity shops,' she added. Things have changed so much over the time - I work a lot harder now than I did but it's the different way people shop. 'There's a lot more out there and though our prices are competitive people still tend to shop online and go into Norwich a lot of the time.

'I think we'll be missed but you have to think of yourself in the long-run. It'll be a sad day and it would be nice if it could carry on but a big thank you to all who have supported me over the years - suppliers, staff, customers and family.'

Mrs Monaghan said the business had been on the market for two years but that no buyers had come forward.