A Southampton business has been saved from closure after it was bought by its former receptionist.

When Judith Carey heard the carpet shop she worked in 20 years ago was to close she and former sister-in-law Shirley Booth stepped in to take over.

The Southampton businesswomen bought Carpet Gallery, gave it a makeover and rebranded it, reopening it just three days later.

There has been a carpet shop on the site in Macnaughton Road, Bitterne, since 1972 when it was known as J & S Carpets. Three years later it was taken over by John May who renamed it May’s Carpets.

It changed owners again 13 years ago when the business was bought by Keith Laver-Bradbury, who renamed it Carpet Gallery – a name it has kept.

Mum-of-two Shirley, 47, who owns the Victoria Hotel in Woolston, and mum-of-three Judith, who owns Winchester designer jewellery firm Gioia UK and accountancy firm Burman & Co, have ensured all four members of staff will keep their jobs. Manager of 42 years Lionel Bartholomew will also be given more responsibility. Judith, 41, from Bitterne, said: “I took the business on because I know the history of it and I could see the potential in it and also we have got loyal staff as well.”

Judith and Shirley’s children, Joshua, 19, Ryan, 17, and Sophie Carey, 16, and Connor Halford, 21, will also be seen helping out at the shop.