A convenience store has been sold to first-time buyers after being run by the same owners for nearly two decades. 

Norfolk House Stores in Hopton near Diss is used by the local community and surrounding villages on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk.

Former owners Alun and Karen Chapman owned the shop in Thelnetham Road for 18 years and have now retired to spend more time with their family.

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Diss Mercury: Lewis Last, senior business agent at Christie & CoLewis Last, senior business agent at Christie & Co (Image: Christie & Co)The store has been purchased by first-time buyers Mr and Mrs Keshwala who have previous experience in the retail sector.

The new owners said: "We are so pleased to acquire this store.

"We do have plans in mind to grow the existing trade but firstly we plan to settle into the area and get to know our regular customers and understand their needs.”

Lewis Last, senior business agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, added: “This was a fantastic sale which generated very high levels of interest. We had 37 viewings and 31 bids received which shows how in demand freehold stores are in Norfolk at the moment."