Emotional farewell as model shop couple retire

Sue and Richard Willcox have run Paignton Model Shop for 17 years

A shop that started out as a passion project is closing its doors for the last time.

Sue and Richard Willcox have run the Paignton Model Shop for 17 years since deciding to move from London to Devon.

Ove the years the couple have built up a loyal customer base, including some from as far away as Scotland and Australia.

They have decided their time running the shop must end as they head into an "emotional" retirement.

The couple, who are both 65 and have been married for 45 years, said they felt it was the right time for them to step away from the shop they opened based on Mr Willcox's hobby of models.

They said they are looking forward to retirement, but will miss some aspects of running the store.

Mrs Willcox said: "Sometimes its been a bit stressful when you've got book work to do and different rules come in and you're chasing your tail getting information.

"But the majority of the time we've had interaction with some really nice people and we've laughed so much.

"And hopefully, we'll carry on laughing in retirement."

Paignton Model Shop will close for the final time on Saturday

Some customers said they are disappointed to be losing the shop.

Mike has been visiting the shop for 11 years to purchase figures for his historical battle scenes, which include some based on Waterloo.

He said it is not just the items that have kept him coming back over the years, but the friendly welcome.

"Even if I don't buy anything, it's nice to come in and have a laugh and a joke with Sue and Richard because they're friendly and we get on really well," Mr Martin said.

"So it is a shame it's closing because there are not many shops which are like that anymore."

Sue Willcox said a lot of customers have said how much they will miss the shop

Looking ahead to their future plans, Mrs Willcox said she and her husband are planning to do a bit of travelling.

She added while they feel it is the right time to depart, it is still going to be hard to say goodbye.

Mrs Willcox said: "We're very excited to be retiring.

"But you do get the odd day where somebody suddenly comes in and says how much they're going to miss you and you start getting a slight guilty pang."