A FARM shop near Knutsford that served customers for 23 years has closed.

Karol Bailey said she was shutting the store at Holly Tree Farm to spend more time with her family.

“They come first and I’ve decided I need more time with them,” she said.

The farm shop in Chester Road, Over Tabley, had become a thriving business.

It was often filled during the run-up to Christmas as people placed orders for turkeys.

Yesterday, Tuesday, Mrs Bailey, 49, told the Guardian that the business had still been doing well this year.

She said the farm would continue to sell produce to customers and the recession was not the reason they had decided to shut the shop.

“If we were in trouble we wouldn’t be carrying on with anything,” she said.

“We’ve just decided that I can’t be there seven days a week.”

Mrs Bailey and her husband Mike took over the farm, off the A556, about 23 years ago.

They decided to set up the shop to ensure the business was profitable.

At first people used the store mainly to pick up groceries.

But back then farm shops were more unusual and some days nobody would arrive.

Mrs Bailey once put up an advertising board outside saying a naked woman was serving customers.

When people went inside they discovered a shop mannequin with a serving tray.

“They saw the funny side and some of those customers are still with us today,” she said.

The shop made its own produce including preserves, pies and stuffing. It began to thrive and in recent years the farm’s meat has become the business’ most popular stock.

Dozens of people queued at the counter during the run-up to Christmas to buy their turkeys.

In recent years the Baileys have struggled to get planning permission to improve their site, although some of the proposals were eventually passed.

Two years ago Mrs Bailey also suffered a horse-riding accident and had to have pins put in her knee. She said the injury and bringing up three teenage children made her realise she had to give something up.

“I’m not getting any younger,” she said.

The shop closed on Sunday.

Customers can still place orders on 01565 651835.