A POPULAR store in Wellington is closing its doors after 12 years in business. 

Paprika, on Fore Street, will be closing towards the end of January/start of February after difficulties with finances caused owners to call it a day. 

Slyder Smith said: "Over the years we have gone through many ups and downs and battled to survive through the recession but after a particularly difficult year with an uncertain economy ahead plus a changing landscape on the High Street we have decided to call it a day."

Mr Smith and his wife Sue moved to Wellington where they started their business, which includes an online store. 

The website will also be closing down at the end of the month.

Mr Smith added: "We have been doing this together for 12 years. 

"We moved from London and opening a store makes you feel integrated into the community, that is non-existent in London, it is very refreshing." 

The store will be trading as normal in the final weeks and some items will be reduced in the final January sale. 

Th owners are now looking ahead to what is ahead, but say a similar online store could be looked into in the future.