THE manager of a Halesowen charity shop is calling it a day after 25 years' dedicated service.

Karen Tolley celebrated her 25th anniversary of working at the Age UK shop in the town centre today Tuesday (April 4).

She will serve her last day in the Queensway shop on Saturday (April 8) before retiring to spend more time with her family.

Karen, aged 66, said: "I love it.

"I love the town.

"I think I have the best customers in the world."

Karen started in the shop as deputy manager, but was promoted after just three months and has served as manager ever since.

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The shop has won a few best-dressed window competitions in the town over the years and last year Karen was named as runner up in the Manager of the Year category in Halesowen BID's (Business Improvement District) awards.

Karen, who is divorced and lives in Halesowen, said she is looking forward to spending time with her son, professor Arron Tolley, who lives in York, with her first grandchild due in September.

She said: "Because it is retail you can be working every weekend and I just needed more time to spend with family.

"Thanks to all our customers and Jane Fisher, sales assistant, who I have absolutely loved working with.

"We are a real community shop - everywhere I go people say hello.

"I will really miss it - I will probably be back volunteering by the end of the year!"

BID manager Vicky Rogers said: "In the four years I've known Karen, she has shown nothing less than dedication to the shop and volunteers, as well as being an active member of the Halesowen business community.

"We wish Karen a wonderful retirement, she will be dearly missed by everyone."