A much-loved village shop that “does everything” is inviting customers to celebrate a milestone anniversary.

P & J Emmott’s Village Shop in Stubbins celebrates 50 years in business this month after being opened in 1973 by owners Paul and Jean Emmott.

The shop started life as an off-licence until Paul and Jean acquired the cake shop next door.

Since then, the shop has gone from strength to strength and now provides customers with everything from homemade cakes to Post Office services.

Paul and Jean, who are now in their 70s, still work seven days a week with occasional help from their son Tony, who says his parents have no plans to retire.

Bury Times: Paul and Jean Emmott have owned and run P&J Emmott's Village Shop for 50 years this month Paul and Jean Emmott have owned and run P&J Emmott's Village Shop for 50 years this month (Image: Tony Emmott)

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Tony said: “The business has diversified over the last 50 years.

“The shop does everything, it’s an off licence, bakery, a post office and more.”

“We have expanded as others have fallen by the wayside.”

Tony said the biggest challenge faced by the business, and others up and down the country, is the rising cost of bills.

He said: “Overheads are the biggest challenge, that’s the biggest challenge for any business but we’ve got a lot of local customers.

“The home-made cakes are a big draw for the business.

“The biggest secret to our success is hard work and a desire to serve the local community.

"They get a lot of satisfaction from being ‘the local shop.’"

There was talk of his parents retiring after 50 years, but Tony says ‘its not going to happen.’

Bury Times: Paul and Jean's son Tony says his parents have no plans to retire.Paul and Jean's son Tony says his parents have no plans to retire. (Image: Tony Emmott)

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“When you consider they are in their 70s,” he said “both working seven days a week it's amazing, they just enjoy it.

“If you’re doing something that you really enjoy, why give it up.”

Paul and Jean are celebrating this weekend from Friday, 21 to Sunday 23 July and from 11 until 4pm and will be inviting customers to enjoy a slice of cake and a drink with them.

Paul and Jean said: “It has been a privilege to serve the local and wider community for so long. We would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the years.”