Beloved toyshop saved by owner's daughter

Delyth, aged seven, behind the counter at Albatross Toys and Models

A town's beloved toyshop that was facing closure has been saved after the former shopkeeper's daughter decided to take over the reins.

Albatross Toys and Models was a staple on Pier Street in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, for 45 years.

But when owner David Morgan died in April, there were concerns the shop have to close.

However, despite never intending to run the shop, Mr Morgan's daughter Delyth James decided to step in after a challenging year.

"My dad was very keen for someone to take over," she told the Radio Wales Phone-In on Friday.

"He'd always say to me and my husband, 'the shop’s there for you', but I knew how hard he worked, and that sort of employment wasn’t going to be an option for us."

Ms James's decision came after a tough period.

"My husband lost his dad in January, we both were made redundant, and two days after I finished my work, my dad passed away," she said.

"It was as if everything aligned to bring us back to Aberystwyth."

But she had her doubts about relocating from Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, back to her home town.

"Aberystwyth is a wonderful place, I just wasn’t sure that 45 years after growing up in the shop, that this was where we were going to be," she said.

"But the people of Aberystwyth are just so wonderful, there has been just so much support. It’s a really difficult time when your parents pass away and I’ve just been really supported by everybody."

Delyth James 45 years later, now owning the shop

Mr Morgan, or Dai as he was known best, bought the shop when Ms James was seven years old, and she fondly remembers the community bustle that made it a central part of Aberystwyth.

She said she had an outpouring of support from the community after her father's death.

"I love hearing people’s stories about their memories of my mum and dad in the shop, and my dad being on the doorstep always chatting to people," she said.

"I've felt that the shop was more than just a toy and model shop, it was about that community hub. It’s just been really, so comforting hearing people’s stories."

The shop, which will reopen on 1 July, is known for its old-fashioned feel with boxes full of trains, planes and cars piled up from floor to ceiling.

Despite the overwhelming inventory, Mr Morgan had a knack for knowing exactly where everything was.

Ms James said she hoped to carry on her father's legacy, but said it would take time to become as adept as he was: "It’s an Aladdin’s cave, it is stuffed jam packed full of goodies, models, planes trains."