A JEWELLER retiring after 30 years of serving customers on Crediton High Street has “loved every minute of it”.

Valerie Barker has run the business since 1994, buying it from the previous owners in 2000.

She will hand over the much-loved VE Barker Jewellers to a new owner when she retires in the near future.

“I've loved my time here, I absolutely loved it, and I love the people. Crediton is the best place in the world,” she told the Courier.

“We need a jewellers and there will continue to be a jewellers here. It's certainly used, it's certainly needed, without a doubt. 

“My motto has always been gold and silver jewellery at affordable prices.”

A mainstay of Crediton High Street, the shop offers jewellery, watches, clocks, photo frames and more.

Ms Barker prides herself on her customer service and said she will miss the people the most when she retires.

"People come in as customers but they generally go out as friends,” she said.

“Every day is a pleasure for me. I’ve enjoyed my time here very much.

“I shall miss it dreadfully, but it is time to retire. I'm 70, I've done my bit, I think!”

Speaking about her retirement plans, she added: “I love gardening, I love walking, anything to do with the outdoors, and the house needs decorating. I'll still be around!”

Ms Barker believes Crediton is a unique place with a High Street full of independent shops.

"When anything moves out, when a shop closes, something else goes in really quickly. And that doesn't happen anywhere else in the country.

“If you go to other places, a town this size, there are often more empty shops than full.

“But Crediton is thriving, I think. It's different to what it used to be, but everything is.

“It's a very vibrant High Street. The majority of the shops and businesses are not just multipurpose. They're unique.

“Crediton used to have the most independent businesses for a High Street in the country.”

VE Barker Jewellers can be found at 114 Crediton High Street.