SHOPPERS in Weston will be able to make their own crafts in a new shop in Waterloo Street.

Connie’s is a gift shop which specialises in handmade products that gives the opportunity for people to come into the shop to try their hand at making their own items.

The shop, which offers refreshments, also acts as a way for local artists to showcase and sell their items.

The shop is owned and managed by Lucy El Kassir and her mother Helen Smith.

Lucy said: “It is difficult to start a business in the economic climate.

“It is hard to get finance from anyone and quite difficult to get through the legal aspects.

“We had to find out everything for ourselves through a lot of phone calls and writing to the council.”

Shoppers can expect the chance to try their hand at knitting, sewing and crocheting among other things.

Lucy said: “The shop is unique to Weston.

“The gifts are unique – you won’t find them anywhere else.

“It is important to showcase local talent because it is nice to give people a platform and a lot of people do it as a hobby and don’t have the platform or confidence to put it in the market.

“That is why we are here and support people and give advice and help people in the right direction.”