A fishmonger shop serving the community for more than 60 years has announced it is closing.

Samways opened in West Bay in 1961. It has been a place for locals and visitors alike to buy fresh local fish - but it will be closing this month due to rising costs.

It is a family-run business and part of Samways Fish Merchants & Internation Transporters Ltd. The export division will continue operating.

The West Bay shop premises are to be occupied by a similar venture but operated by a new person.

Charlie Samways, the Chief Operations Officer at Samways, has fond memories of the shop.

In its early years, it was run by his mother, and during the school holidays, he would help his grandfather man the store.

He said: "We have had some fantastic years and many local customers. It is sad to be closing but the retail scene has changed enormously, with costs particularly in the past 24 months making it hard, particularly for fishmongers."

It will be closing for good on Sunday, September 24.

One job has been lost from the closure. The News understand that the individual affected has been offered an alternative role at Samways.

Mr Samways added: "It is always sad to say goodbye but it sometimes has to be. We are grateful for the support we have received from customers over the years."

Announcing the closure a spokesperson for Samways said: "We regret to announce that we are closing our shop doors after serving our community since 1961.

"Our family-owned business has been a proud part of this community, and we have valued the relationships built with our loyal customers over the years.

"We would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support.

"We are deeply grateful for the memories, friendships, and connections forged through our love of seafood, and we will always treasure these moments.

"We will always cherish the memories we have made and the bond we have shared with our community. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time."

The shop is to be taken over by new owners who will be opening a fishmonger named 'Just Fish'.

The new owners plan to open the store for more days and longer hours and expect to employ three more people to fill these roles.

It will be managed by West Bay resident Matthew Young.

He said: "This opportunity presented itself and the owners said 'let's go again'. It is too good to let go because Samways have such a good reputation in the area, so after I talked to the owners we thought we could do something.

"We will have the same sort of service but a bit modernised, the same quality of fish, maybe more shellfish. Just expand on that with more days and hours."

After renovations, it is hoped this new fishmonger will be opened in mid-October.