THE former owner of a much-loved toy shop that closed in 2010 has died aged 85.

Opened in 1915 by Charles Streets, Alan Andrews took over the Streets toy shop in Christchurch Road, Ringwood, in 1980 after being given the keys by his mum, Dorothy, when she decided to retire.

Although the store had previously served as an ambulance service, motor garage and cycle shop, Alan turned Streets into one of the largest toy shops in the area and left a long-lasting legacy in Ringwood.

His nephew, Matthew Smith, said: "I grew up in the shop, I'm 59 now so I was a child when the shop was in its heyday. Before the likes of Argos and Toys R Us and the internet, it was the go-to place for all children's toys.

"His personality was very much focused on the shop being his life. He left school and he didn't have any education as such, he wasn't an academic and so grew into the family business and just took it over."

Matt said Alan's uncle also owned the cycle shop next door and such was the success of the business that Streets took it over and expanded into the store.

Described as a 'labour of love' for Alan, the store meant he was very involved in the Ringwood community and often dressed as Santa during Christmas for children in the area and offered to deliver and fix broken toys.

Matt said: "He created Santa's grotto at the back of the store and it was the place to go for children every Christmas.

"He was a very gentle man and was protective of his business. He was a little old-school and would find a solution for everything."

Alan was also known for his 1960s Bedford fire engine which he would take to local shows and events.

Although trying to keep the store alive alongside Matt and his wife who looked to take it over, the modernisation of the toy business meant owning a small shop had become unfeasible.

Alan died on August 25, 2024, and his funeral will be held today, September 18, in Ringwood.