A soon-to-be retired carer has opened a shop in Ashby containing what she describes as the 'weird and the wonderful'.

Pay a visit to the compact store in Pass Courtyard and you will see exactly what she means.

Jill Keeley, from Donisthorpe, started Home Sweet Home as something to keep her busy in retirement.

But this is no ordinary shop - and even Jill cannot quite put her finger on how to describe it.

Jill Keeley has opened Home Sweet Home as she is about to retire as a carer

She stocks a range of old, pre-loved, upcycled and handmade items - but is also encouraging local 'makers' to bring their products in so that they can be sold to customers.

Jill said: "I've always been interested in like, weird and wonderful things. I'm in a bit of a collector.

"I'm retiring in a couple of months. I didn't really want to just sit at home. So I thought I'd like a little shop. We looked around, but I didn't want a huge place - this is just the right size.

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"The entrance is downstairs but a lot of the things are upstairs. I felt I could make it work.

"There are different things here, but good quality and a lot of antiques as well.

"I sell things on for people and there's also a lady who rents a couple of cabinets. That's a model that a lot of people use now.

"Maybe antique enthusiasts might be interested - there is that element to it.

"We've got the tea caddies and cast iron Punch and Judy doorstops. They're very collectible.

"But we also stock things like baby socks, so it's difficult to say we sell any one type of thing."

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Jill may be stepping down as a carer, but she is no stranger running a shop.

She worked in Salts in Swadlincote, selling gift, interior and unique items, and also ran a shop in Measham which won an award.

Jill added: "We were offering tea and coffee and we actually won a community award of around £3,500 - I always had a little table in chairs - biscuits and tea and coffee.

"One of the things about this place is that you can come in, have a browse, a sit down and a cup of coffee. It's that kind of shop."

Home Sweet Home is a real treasure trove of a place - and there is likely to be something here for everyone.

Our photos give you some idea of what is inside, and the outside of the shop is deceptive.

Jill added: "Maybe we've filled a little gap in the market."

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