A SOUTH Lakeland town which is almost exclusively home to independent shops is about to welcome its first national clothing chain.

Kirkby Lonsdale already boasts a full occupancy rate with 99 per cent of its stores being independent - save for the likes of Booths and Boots - and Fat Face is about to become one of the exceptions to the rule.

It will replace the long-running Country Cousins department store, on Main Street, following the owners' retirement later this month.

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Country Cousins co-owner Alison Day said: "I think it will be great for Kirkby Lonsdale and will bring a lot of people in, and it might help everybody."

Mrs Day, 59, and her husband Richard, 64, have owned the business for 25 years, and spent six of those in smaller premises across the street before expanding into the current two-floor building.

The former caterers, who run the shop with their 34-year-old daughter Rebecca Day, decided to let go of the family-run shop after Mr Day suffered from two years of ill health.

"We want to enjoy our retirement and good health," she added.

Speaking of their "successful" store which has been serving the community of loyal customers for quarter of a decade, Mrs Day said: "It's been amazing, the business has been incredible.

"It's also been great being a part of Kirkby Lonsdale. A woman was even crying when she came in the other day because we're going, and people have said some lovely things - it's quite emotional."

Although the couple are sad to see Country Cousins go, they are reassured by the fact their manageress daughter will carry on the legacy of its name round the corner on New Road with her own retail venture.

Mrs Day said: "In April Rebecca will open her own high fashion shop called Boo and Belle of Country Cousins which will also have homeware, cards and gifts."