A thriving hardware, ironmongers and cookware shop is under new ownership after being bought by one of its employees.

Larter and Ford in Diss was sold by John and Julie Maskell to Julian Mason who has taken on the business in partnership with his brother-in-law Carl Edwards.

And while Mr Maskell, 69, who worked in the Market Hill store two days a week, will now retire, Mrs Maskell, 58, plans to carry on for three days a week under her new bosses. Mr Mason, who has worked at Larter and Ford for more than seven years, said there would be no major change of direction for the shop.

“We’re working on the principle at the moment that it’s a long-established business that has a good customer base and any changes will be small,” he said.

“My brother-in-law was looking for a new opportunity and I knew it was for sale and thought it would be a good idea.

“It was the chance to own my own business and to work with my brother-in-law, who I’ve known for years, and help him in business. All my working life I’ve worked with people and in product management and I’ve enjoyed it, and this is a continuation of that.”