TAPESTRIES, medals, wedding bouquets - even a giant tarantula have been framed by the experts at Braemar Frames in Worcester's Lowesmoor.

The shop is run today by John and Linda Lewis, but the business was started by Mr Lewis's parents, Roy and Mary, more than 30 years ago.

The area east of Worcester city centre is thriving, with a trading estate nearby and another which is due to be redeveloped. Shrub Hill Station is a short walk away.

The area has been regenerated in recent years - is to undergo further development - and is full of enterprising new businesses.

Mr Lewis says the busy thoroughfare attracts a captive audience who pass by his shop every day.

"Lowesmoor has experienced an awful lot of changes since we first came here - oneway traffic, two-way traffic, a new bus lane, even the name of the pub opposite has changed several times - but it has been good for us and we have a well-established loyal client base," said Mr Lewis.

"Christmas is always a very busy time because framing something special makes the ideal present."

Mr Lewis doubts he will be framing anything as exotic as a tarantula this year - that was just a one off - but he is currently mounting a cap and a pair of spurs, which belonged to a former Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, into a frame which is due to be hung at the West Mercia Police headquarters at Hindlip Hall.

He has also been asked to frame icing off wedding cakes, floral bouquets, football shirts and medals.

The couple's son, Steven has joined the business and he specialises in make the wooden frames which are especially popular this year.

"You have to be fairly artistic to make a success of a business like this," explained Mr Lewis, who is a joiner by trade. "We can advise our customers on the correct mount to set off the picture or item to its best advantage. If you choose a picture this Christmas it will be a unique present."