ANNIVERSARY celebrations at a toy shop are tinged with sadness for its founders Ian Walton and Steve Egersdorff.

Wozu is based at Blakemere Craft Centre in Sandiway, and is 10 years old this month.

However this Christmas is set to be the last at the shop for the business partners, who have decided to retire at the end of January 2015, and the business is on the market.

“We’ve both had long working careers, and feel the time is now right to spend more time with our families and pursue our hobbies and dreams,” said Steve, 56, from Middlewich.

“Having successfully survived this long recession there is definitely a need to have an independent toy shop in the area,” said Ian, 62, from Barnton.

“Wozu is so well established, it’s a tremendous opportunity for someone to take the business on to a much higher level by further developing both the internet and educational fields.

“Please contact Steve or myself if you wish to discuss the possibility of buying the business.”

Ian is a former Cheshire primary school head teacher, and Steve worked as head of science at a Cheshire high school.

Wozu sells educational toys, games, puzzles and puppets for children of all ages.

“As a big thank you to our customers, from October 1 we are offering 20 per cent off the price of more than 1,000 products,” added Steve.

The discount excludes online sales, but the business will continue to offer its Price Match Promise on non-stock items ordered specifically for Christmas.

“As well as running the Blakemere shop we also offer bespoke training opportunities using our resources, attend local and national educational conferences, operate the online business and support various charitable functions and events throughout the north west – it’s never dull,” said Ian.

Steve added he and Ian were looking forward to Christmas and serving the needs of new and returning customers.

“It’s lovely to feel we make such a valuable contribution to the emotional well-being of young people, particularly at such a special time of the year,” he said.

Anyone interested in the business ring 888964.