THE Body Shop is celebrating 35 years of being open on Taunton's High Street.

The shop's loyal crew celebrated the milestone by handing out cake - with The Body Shop Logo on it - to customers on Wednesday, August 14, to thank them for their support.

Manager Leigh Mehrlich, who has worked at the shop on and off since 1993, said: "The idea is we're thanking our customers, a lot of regulars who mostly come in fortnightly. 

"When there was talk of us closing we had so many customers come in and support us, a lot of people said can we sign a petition and what can we do to make sure you stay open. Our customers are very loyal."

Now the shop is "thriving" and still gets "very busy", despite the Body Shop being forced to close half its UK stores in February when it collapsed into administration.

Sue Thatcher, a Body Shop sales Associate, said: "It's an iconic brand and everyone knows the Body Shop and grew up with it.

"I've been here for 29 years, so the customers know who they're going to see when they come in. The staff are like family, we've all known each other a long time."

Also working in the shop is Deborah Lock and Jemma Goody, who have both worked there for 15 years, and Becky Hamlet the newest recruit, with a year under her belt.

Asked how the store has closed over the last 35 years, Manager Leigh, said: "Just the technology. The shop's ethics are still the same, nothing has changed there.

"People love the nostalgia of the Body Shop. White Musk is still very popular, and Shea body butter, they're some of our most loved."