FOR more than half a century Barrie Potter has been an integral part of the family-run business and St Helens institution Ena Shaw.

But now the 70-year-old has decided to retire and will pass on the baton to furniture retail expert Keith Barlow who joins from home furnishing group Stokers.

The business was established in 1929 by Barrie’s mother Ena and the family continue to occupy several senior roles within the company.

The past year has been particularly successful for Ena Shaw with Barrie overseeing their home department’s £250,000 refurbishment, the final phase of which was the opening of the new first-floor Sleep Centre.

And in 2012 they supplied the curtains for thousands of rooms at the London 2012 Olympic athletes’ village Barrie said: “I’m extremely sad to be leaving the store. Fifty one years is a long time but I’m extremely proud of the store’s heritage and everything that we’ve managed to achieve during my time here.

“We have grown the store from a small curtains and bed linen shop to one of the largest independent home furnishings retailers in the area.

“I’m confident that Keith will bring even more fresh ideas to the store and continue to strengthen Ena Shaw Home’s legacy.”

Keith added: “I’m really looking forward to joining the team.

“It’s wonderful to see a business with so much heritage.”