A SOUTHWOLD holiday lettings agency is keeping things in the family after a daughter was handed the keys to the business by her mother.

Acanthus Property Letting Services, which rents out second homes to holiday-makers, is now in the hands of Rebecca Meo after her mother Jennifer Tallon decided to retire at the age of 68.

Mrs Tallon set up the company 15 years ago and it has 50 high-quality properties, including bungalows, seaside flats and cottages, it rents out to holiday-makers in and around Southwold, including Walberswick, Wenhaston and Dunwich.

Miss Meo, 38, said that the company was facing a very positive future with strong bookings for next year and the business set to benefit from an influx of visitors next summer who will be seeking a temporary home as a base to visit the Olympics.

“I am really excited about taking over,” said Miss Meo, who has worked with her mother for the past decade. “Being here for 10 years has been like an apprenticeship in a way. Acanthus has got bigger and bigger every year. We are nearly fully booked for next year. We are an exceptionally popular service.”

Mrs Tallon set up the letting agency after she bought out an estate agents. She previously set up Acanthus Home Care 21 years ago, providing home care and cleaning services.

She named the businesses Acanthus after the plant as she is a keen gardener – a hobby she is looking forward to in retirement.