A HUSBAND and wife team have ditched their jobs to revive an empty shop in their neighbourhood.

Debbie and Gary Hurley gave up their careers in retail and decorating to launch card, gifts and balloon business Heart 2 Heart, in Shrub End, Colchester.

The couple decided to take on the shop in The Square, Iceni Way, after its previous owner died.

Mr Hurley, 57, a decorater for 38 years, said: “The shop was lying empty for a while.

“We got in touch with the council and here we are.

“It had been missed by people while it was shut.

“It is easy parking and in easy walking distance for the community. When we were working on the front, people were coming up to us and saying ‘thank God you’re opening again’.”

He added: “It was in a bit of state when we got it.

“We had to rebuild it and redecorate it and now it looks lovely.”

They were helped along by their family.

Son Graham, 24, fitted out the shop, David, 18, who works for a skip hire company, dealt with the rubbish, while daughter Rebecca, 28, visited suppliers and helped stock shelves.

Mrs Hurley, 49, said: “It has been a real family affair.

“The whole family has been involved in one way or another.

“I’m sure when we go on holiday they will be looking after the shop.”

She added after growing up in Shrub End it was satisfying to return.

“Although I moved away for a while, I still see people I went to school with who come up and chat to you.

“As a couple, it’s nice to put something back into the place you know.”