Somerset's former Town & Country Hardware store has been transformed into Ilminster Home Hardware, and new owners Phillip and Kate Wyatt launched the store officially earlier this month with the help of the town mayor Roger Swann.
Mr Wyatt brings a wealth of experience to the family's new venture, having run Upton Home Hardware in Poole, Dorset for the past sixteen years. The store was first launched by Phillip's father Clive more than 40 years ago. He now farms in Chaffcombe, Chard, and it was this close connection to the Ilminster area which piqued the Wyatt family's intested in taking on the Town & Country store.

"There is a fantastic sense of community in Ilminster," said Phillip Wyatt, "Kate and I are really looking forward to being part of it and getting involved in all the local events such as the carnival and Victorian evening."

Mr Wyatt said the combination of independent trading and being a Home Hardware store was "a fantastic benefit to the local community."

He added: "By combining over 400 independent members it gives a greater buying power, ensuring that customers can always expect value for money on quality brands, locally."

The store will be open six full days a week and "will continue to stock the popular lines." Mr Wyatt said he is also planning to bring in some new ranges and improved key cutting services "to complete the feel of having a one-store hardware and cookshop in Ilminster."