A newsagent at the cornerstone of life in Woolbrook has thanked his loyal, generous customers for welcoming him into the community.

Londoner Benedict Mansi, who owns Woolbrook News with wife Lydia, is moving on to pastures new with a job working in property after five-and-a-half years at the shop.

It was taken over on Friday by Teresa Loynd and her family, who will be refurbishing the shop and hope to open a tea room in the lower section of the premises.

Benedict, who previously worked as a restaurant manager, said: “I really want to thank all the loyal customers I’ve had. It’s been quite touching how friendly and welcoming people have been.

“It’s been nice to see the same people every day and knowing this shop is part of their daily routine. We’ve really built up the delivery side of the business.

“I was a restaurant manager before this; I swapped really late nights for really early mornings, but they’re quite similar roles, really, dealing with people.

“I’m moving on to pastures new. My kids are young and I want to spend more time with them.”

Benedict and Sidmothian Lydia, a web designer, have two children, six-year-old Dante and Raffy, two.

They live around the corner from the shop and will be staying in Sidmouth.

The current staff will be staying on under the new owners.

Teresa is leaving her role at East Devon District Council after 22 years, while her husband Ron will continue to work locally as a painter and decorator.

Teresa said: “We are a local family and love Sidmouth and what it has to offer.

“This is a new challenge for us and an exciting one, we will continue to offer all that the shop offers now and the newspaper deliveries will remain unchanged.

“Please bear with us if there are any hiccups whilst we learn the ropes.

“We will be opening a tea room on the premises in the not too distant future and hope lots of people will support us.

“We wish Benny and Lydia every success in whatever challenges life brings them next.

“We know that we have a lot to live up to and will do our best to continue with the great service that Benny and his staff have given over the last five years.”