CHAPLINS Superstore in Taunton has new owners.

The directors of the homes and gardens outlet in Bindon Road have sold the company to Proper Job, which stocks many products similar to those found in Chaplins.

Chaplins has been in Taunton for 27 years and has a sister store in Plympton.

Owner Linda Thompson told the County Gazette: "After 25 successful years trading in Taunton, the directors have decided to sell the business to Proper Job.

"(It is) a well established business with 18 stores who we know will continue to look after our customers."

Ms Thompson started the Chaplins company in 1967 with just £300.

She and David Chaplin, who both had retail experience, decided to buy some clearance goods to start their own business.

They expanded into Taunton in 1994, purchasing the site in Bindon Road in 2015.

The store sells a wide range of items ranging from DIY to soft furnishings, pet supplies, clothes, toys and outdoor plants.

With long opening hours and a "no frills, back to basic approach" coupled with "hands-on management" Chaplins has been able to stock new lines without being held back by a long decision making chain.

Proper Job was launched in Cornwall in the 1980s as a father and son company called Tilley's Tools.

The operation was later transferred to a warehouse in Weston-super-Mare, where they ran a wholesale business.

In 1997 the first retail Proper Job store was opened in Devonshire Road in the seaside town.the company sells a range of paints, DIY tools, housewares, auto goods, decorating items, toys, art supplies, and kitchen and bathroom items.

Since then Proper Job has opened stores in Weston-super-Mare town centre and Worle high street, Minehead, Glastonbury, Street, Clevedon, Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater, Frome, Gloucester, Brislington, Trowbridge, Chard, Radstock, Highbridge and Coleford.