AN independent music shop in Taunton is celebrating a prestigious birthday after hitting the big '4-0'.

Gillian Greig set up Gillian Greig Music in Kingston Road, in May 1974.

The opening was covered in the County Gazette, and since then Gillian and her colleagues have spent four decades providing a variety of musical content including instruments, music books, CDs and more.

Gillian, 76, who still works full time in the shop, said: “There are few of us around (music shops) and that's probably one of the reasons we've done so well.

“We aren't based in the busy town centre with other shops, but it's nice to know everyone keeps coming back to us.”

Debs Vaughan, who works with Gillian, said: “The shop has celebrated 40 years in business, which you'll agree in this day and age is quite an achievement, especially for a music shop.

“We just want to say a big thank you to Gillian; we think she is an amazing lady and a great example. She is a great boss, always supportive and generous towards her staff.”