JOLLEYS Chemist in Newton-le-Willows has been taken over by new owners. 

Paul Doherty and his business partner Martin Stratton, took over the chemist on Newton high street at the start of June.

The community pharmacy has since received renovations to its shop, with a historical display also introduced. 

The pair currently run 10 pharmacies across the region, with Jolleys their latest addition. 

Paul, from Liverpool, said: "When we looked at it we fell in love and just saw the potential in it on the high street as well.

"The shop we’ve bought is lovely and is in the heart of the community.

"The staff are brilliant, I can’t praise them enough. They’ve been fantastic since I’ve took over and to get there as a team, we can make some amazing improvements."

The new owners also received a blessing from Arthur Jolley himself. 

Paul added: "We met Mr Jolley and he’s given us his blessing which is amazing and he's really happy with what’s going on with the pharmacy. It was like meeting an icon of your profession."

St Helens Star: Paul and chemist staff Donna and Sue with Arthur Jolley Paul and chemist staff Donna and Sue with Arthur Jolley

Paul and Martin are award winning business owners after receiving the Pharmacy Business Award in 2021 for their efforts thoughout the pandemic. 

The 42-year-old said: "We’re the first of the six community pharmacies in England to provide a vaccination centre. We did about 100,000 vaccinations whilst completely maintaining the pharmacy’s services.

"When we set up the vaccination centre, we didn’t know the cost of it or anything and in the back of the pharmacy there was a building we spent £30,000 converting it."

"We got a surprise invite to the PBA and we won it."

Following the award ceremony, the pair also met Prince Charles at his event to recognise members of the health services. 

Paul added: "He’s very interested in community pharmicies and he held an event to thank community pharmicies for what they did during the pandemic and taking the pressure off other health professionals.

"At one point pharmacies were the only thing open where people could walk into during the pandemic and he recognised that which was amazing.

"It was great to be recognised not just us but also representing community pharmicies in that way is really nice."

The business is set to launch a Hypertension Case Finding Service to provide blood pressure checks to members of the community. 

The pharmacy is also offering free deliveries to patients.