After a quarter of a century of trading, a Southampton business is set to be at the centre of a major regeneration project.

The Desk Centre in Northam Road, which first opened its doors in 1976, is among the many shops, restaurants and other commercial organisations in the area expecting to benefit from a widespread upgrading of the area.

The premises at 76 Northam Road was originally bought by Adrian Worley whose two sons, James and Graham now run the operation specialising in reproduction antique style home and office furniture.

Now semi-retired, Mr Worley said: "The Desk Centre is the oldest surviving business in Northam Road.

"In the 1970s it was the main road linking Fareham and Portsmouth to the city centre. The road was a thriving area with small interesting shops selling mainly antiques.

"However since the bypass was introduced about ten years ago many shops had to close.

"Today the council has introduced funding which is helping to encourage the shop owners to improve the exteriors and interiors of their premises and to rejuvenate Old Northam Road as it is now called to its former glory.''

Under the scheme the area will have new street lighting, street furniture, roads are to be resurfaced as well as improved landscaping.

James Worley said: "We try to offer everything from traditional furniture and accessories such as lamps, pictures, mirrors and china as well as on-site workshop facilities for french polishing, antique restoration and cabinet making.''