A BUSINESSMAN from Kidder-minster who started with a small shop in Brierley Hill High Street in the 1980s has just opened his 200th store in his home town.

Nick Shutts, who was born in Kidderminster and now lives in Bewdley, is managing director of Julian Graves Limited. His business partner is Nigel Morris who hails from Kinver and now lives near Cleobury Mortimer.

The specialist dried fruits, nuts and snacks retailer has an empire of 200 stores nationwide.

The new store, billed as the chain's flagship, was opened on Tuesday by TV chef Lesley Waters who appears on Ready Steady Cook and Can't Cook, Won't Cook.

She has written three cookery books which use ingredients available from Julian Graves.

Kidderminster people who enjoy cooking using her books and the firm's specialist ingredients queued for her to sign them.

The store is in the new £60 million Weavers Wharf shopping complex and is called the JG Experience.

Mr Shutts said: This flagship store will lead the way in how our future stores will look. I'm also delighted it's in Kiddermin-ster as it's my home town."