AFTER nearly three decades of helping the women of Tavistock and the surrounding area find the perfect fitting underwear, next month After Eight Lingerie will be closing its doors.

The lingerie boutique in Paddon's Row has been serving customers for 27 years but owner Janie White has had to make the difficult decision to close down the shop due to changing times and online shopping taking its toll on independent shops.

Janie's mother Jennifer bought the business not long after it was set up and ran it for 16 years. Janie then took over and has run it for 11 years.

Janie said: 'Unfortunately times have changed in the last decade in the lingerie world, with the supermarkets and chain stores discounting heavily.

'The main culprit is the internet. The same underwear can be bought online for less than I can buy it at, then I have to pay rates and taxes on top. Independent shops cannot compete with them at any level.

'It is sad to be closing because we've been here so long and have helped so many people, from someone who has bought a special dress and needs the right bra, to someone who has had surgery and needs advice and something comfortable to wear. I have made lots of good friends over the years.'

The shop will officially close on March 27 and Janie will be selling off her stock until then.