The Dolphin shopping centre’s first independent jewellery store is celebrating 30 years in business.

Family-run shop J S Jewellers began trading in Poole at what was originally the Arndale Shopping Centre in 1983.

James Jerrett, the man behind the thriving business, entered the jewellery trade at the age of 16 and worked at the Jewel Box in Winton for eight years before setting up his own repair workshop, Jewellery Services, in Bournemouth.

He then set up JS Jewellers in Poole. “We are delighted to be marking three decades of success. Thirty years in any retail business, and in the same location, is pretty amazing,” said James.

“We are a family-run business, my son and daughter both work in the shop and my wife runs the Southbourne store which we opened in 2006.”

He said the state of the economy forces him to continually consider what he offers and where his market is. And having an independent store and maintaining close ties with customers gives him an edge on larger chain stores.

James added: “When you have a small business in a small town you have to do a good job. It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years. When you are busy you lose track of time.”