Wanted: New owner for Bury St Edmunds sweet shop Auntie Pam's

Jars filled with brightly-coloured delights lining the wall, temptingly-packaged treat cones and tubs brimming with tantalising confectionery – Auntie Pam’s Sweet Shop is a treasure trove of scrumptious morsels.

But the Bury St Edmunds store in the Traverse, which has been enchanting the town’s children (and a fair few grown-ups) for 15 years, is now for sale.

Owner Sheila Barnard wants to retire after 11 years behind the sweet counter, but admits she will miss it ‘terribly’, as well as her favourite Clarnico Mints.

“I truly enjoy it. It’s the customers who make it, I have made lots of friends over the years," she said.

“Bury is a special place really. It is a very friendly town and everybody knows everybody else.”

Highlights of her role have included seeing her young customers grow up – some now bring their own children to the shop – and making presents, party cones, and wedding gifts.

One of the job's challenges has been fitting all the items Auntie Pam’s stocks – more than 1,000 at the last count – into a small space.

“Whenever I get something new in, we scratch our heads and say ‘where is it going to go?’,” said Sheila.

Sweet-toothed customers from all over the world have visited the shop, with some returning to indulge every time they are in Bury.

Perennial favourites with regulars include rhubarb and custards, sherbet lemons and floral gums, while the pic ‘n’ mix counter is also very popular according to Sheila, along with a range of diabetic sweets.

“My favourites are sherbet lemons and sherbet strawberries – and Clarnico Mints," she said.

“I remember as a child my mum having them and I always used to sneak a couple.

“They just melt in your mouth. Now if I open the jar my staff say 'just the one Sheila' as they know what I'm like."