A Thornbury shop owner is celebrating 25 years in business.

Lee Baines, owner of Lee’s Mend a Shoe on St Mary Street, reached the milestone on Monday.

He started in Bradley Avenue, Winterbourne, in 1994 before moving to Thornbury in 1995.

Originally Lee rented a corner of Hawkins hardware store but moved to his own shop next door 13 years ago.

“It was because there was not enough space next door,” said Lee.

“The business needed to grow. It just started getting busier and busier.”

Lee worked at Brooks Dry Cleaners for seven years before deciding to set up his own business.

“I decided after seven years that I wanted to do it on my own. I thought right I’m going to go for it.

“Twenty-five years later we are still in Thornbury.

As well as repairing shoes Lee cuts and programs car keys, does engraving, leather repair and offers a range of other services.

He works in the shop alongside his wife Jane, with their children also helping out on occasion.

Jane said: “There’s a lot of local support in Thornbury and they tend to champion local businesses.

“I guess that’s why we are still here.”

Lee added: “The customers are all loyal so they keep coming back to me.

“It might get even busier with all the houses that are going up.”