Cult Hastings shop is re-opening at a new location in town

Owned by Kate Rosie, Teddy Tinkers, in London Road, St Leonards, had a devoted following for its thousands of collectables, antiques, vintage clothing and fancy dress. The shop had been open for 12 years.

Set designers regularly bought items from it for use in shows such as EastEnders.

Now her new shop Teddy Tinker's Tiny Treasures, opens on March 5 at 84 Queens Road.

Talking about how the business started, Kate explained: "I was in the Civil Service for nearly 25 years, and I woke up one morning and said to my husband, Alex, I've had enough. I need to do something entirely different.

"My dad George Stevens had a wonderful shop in Lewes called the Boxroom. It was a tiny shop, with just as much stuff as I have in here. All of my ideas have come from him. I named the shop after my lifelong friend Teddy Tinker a teddy bear that I have had all my life and still have today.

"I've been collecting little tiny special items for a long time, in case I had to do something else, which is why the new shop is going to be called Teddy Tinker's Tiny Treasures.

“My new shop signs were fitted by Plan-Planahead Creative Print and Copy Signs and Designs. My first day of opening will be Thursday 5th March. “The cabinets are getting filled with an abundance of tiny treasures including interesting little antique items, doll's house furniture, medals and badges, jewellery, cufflinks, miniature ornaments, lead soldiers, vintage buttons and sewing accessories, gemstones and much more “In the back of the shop I have a room full of ephemera. Historical local postcards, letters, documents, Victorian photographs, vintage cinema posters and rare sheet music are among the plenty of things to browse. I look forward to seeing people soon . “The shop next door at number 83 has now received council planning approval. Work has been re-started on the building and we are hoping to hear from the landlord shortly. This will be for the fancy-dress, vintage costume and other antique and vintage goods. It will be called 'Oh My Days’.