A family firm fed up with the number of shop closures in Braintree High Street is fighting back by opening another store.

Three generations of the Hawkins family are backing their new business next to their Betta Buys store not only to boost their own coffers but to bring back confidence in Braintree.

Ian Hawkins, 22, who works with his father and grandfather in the family business, said: "It seems shops either keep closing at this end of town or no sooner does one open than it disappears again.

"It's nice to be able to tell people a shop is opening and planning to stay. We also hope it brings back a bit of business confidence so people continue to have somewhere to shop in the town centre.

"We have done really well with our Betta Buys shop and this store Celebrations is going to be another long-term venture."

The family employs 18 staff at its branches across Essex, including one in Colchester.

The new branch in Sandpit Lane, Braintree, is a fresh venture. Unlike the other stores, which specialise in computer and stationery supplies, it will sell cards and novelties.

The family hopes it will be as successful as Betta Buys has been since it opened six years ago.

Ian Hawkins said: "We believe it will do well as we have a very good customer base. As a family firm we really care about our customers. We won't just turn them away if we have not got want they want. We will try and get it for them."

His father John said: "We want to treat our customers as we want to be treated when we go into a shop."

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