Friends and customers descended upon Ross Books on Saturday for a surprise party to wish Tessa Lysaght a happy retirement.

Pimms and canapés were served as everyone jostled for space. But it was business as usual for Tessa, she and her daughter, were busy selling some of the last books.

"It is even busier than it was at Christmas," Tessa said as a toast was drunk. She praised her employees who had organised the surprise party. She said they were a pleasure to work with.

Tessa Campton baked the cake and she helped organise the party with Eleanor Cosker.

Ross Books has been a part of the town for over 40 years, run as a joint venture by Dermot and Tessa Lysaght - its closure is a loss to Broad Street. Sadly, Dermot died earlier this year.