Custom is slow in Dover town centre according to a new business owner who has opened a small crafts shop.

Amy Howie, 29, of Cherrytree Avenue in Dover opened her store, called My Patina’d Heart in the Charlton Centre on the high-street.

The new business owner took the plunge to open her business to locals after her eBay store grew in popularity, with many of her e-buyers from all over the country.

The store caters for people with a particular creative flair, ranging from card making to sowing essentials.

Mrs Howie, who came back to Dover after emigrating to New Zealand for five years has said support isn’t in short supply, but custom could be better.

But she hopes that this will improve in time, as more people realise where she is and what she sells.

Mrs Howie said: “Its not too bad, it could be better.

“We are a little bit out of the way and the weather has been appalling.

“Through word of mouth and social media we are starting to get more and more people come in."

“A lot of the time they will tell us they are happy we are here.

“Then they will go over to Hobby Craft and shop there.” - Amy Howie

Mrs Howie believes in staying loyal to your local highstreet in slow economic climates.

She added: “I try to shop in town.

“As a small business owner and someone who wants to see her town thrive.

“If you see that we are small that doesn’t mean we are lacking.”

The Charlton Centre in particular is receiving a spot of retail help from a Dover man, Peter Nix who is also a photographer.

Mr Nix said: “I recently took over running the centre, I’m going to start Thursday markets and more events for families just to try and bring it forward.

“We only have one empty shop now upstairs in the art gallery.

“Next week we have more stalls and in April we will be doing an Easter bonnet parade.

“It all takes time but I will improve it.”