AN OLD-FASHIONED linen and haberdashery store has finally found a new owner after a search spanning more than three years.

The Treasure House in Southbourne Grove has been open for 87 years and there were fears it could close for good.

But new owner Jane Scott has taken on the business and will start trading in mid-September after refurbishment and a name change.

The shop will be called Haberdasherdo and will offer new product lines and workshops.

But it will also stay true to its roots and continue to sell a vast selection of goods ranging from single buttons and handkerchiefs to lace curtains, ribbon and table cloths.

Jane, 53, is married with a daughter and has lived in Southbourne for 17 years. She is a former office administrator.

She said: "I didn’t expect to be buying a haberdasher’s store, but when I saw that the business was up for sale, I knew it would be a great opportunity, given the renewed interest in sewing and dressmaking thanks to shows like The Great British Sewing Bee, as well as the growing trend for people to ‘make do and mend’ because of concern over fast fashion."

Current owners Angela and Steven Hill have run the Treasure House since 2005 and now plan to retire.

"I want to build on the successful business that Angela and Steven have built over the last 14 years but also freshen it up with some new ideas and product lines to reflect the new interest in all things craft, sewing and dressmaking-related,” Jane added.

Jane also plans to offer a range of workshops, from basic sewing and knitting right through to dressmaking and craft workshops.

"I’d love to hear from any local knitting and sewing circles to find out what kind of products they need and how we can work together in future" she said.

"The shop is such a long-standing part of the community and that’s what I want it to be – a community resource for all generations whether they are interested in doing a quick repair to a favourite piece of clothing, want to make their own clothes or have a school project to create."

Jane has been sewing and making her own clothes since she was a child.

And her family has a strong reputation in running traditional local businesses. Her father, Alan Figgures, ran electrical, bike and toy shop HE Figgues in Lymington. The shop remains in business as a toy shop and is run by her cousin.