Little Stationery Shop is a lifelong passion for Queenie

“I loved the different paper and envelopes, and I used to collect rubbers - I can remember exactly where they used to be in the shop,” she says. “I was nine when I first went in - it was called Shipley Stationery Centre and was run by Paul and Madeline Sheen. I used to be so excited visiting it.”

Now 56, that passion for stationery remains, and it has led to her running that very same shop in the town’s Market Street.

The Little Stationery Shop - our Telegraph & Argus Trader of the Week - is, as its Facebook page says ‘a treasure trove of loveliness.’

Queenie behind the counter, surrounded by the things she loves

Some of the items on sale

Filled with writing pads, envelopes, journals, pens and all things stationery, as well as greeting cards, pencil cases, bookmarks, ‘how to’ books, iron-on beads, and art and craft items.

“We have a range of lovely matching paper and envelopes, from Basildon Bond to cheap and cheerful,” says Queenie, “People are still writing letters, in particular the older generation. Nothing beats getting a letter - often you recognise the sender’s writing and you know that thought has gone into it; there’s no comparison to an email.”

She adds: “I love the smell and feel of different writing paper. We sell all sorts of pens including Parker and Legami erasable pens with cute faces that kids collect. We also stock fountain pens and ink.”

The shop also stocks soft toys

Queenie with the vast array of greeting cards on sale

The Market Street shop also sells surprises such as cuddly toys, incense and crystals. “I like to bring in different things to add variety and interest,” says Queenie. “Cuddly toys go down really well. We sell lots of different lines and have clearance deals for art and craft items at £1 and 50p.”

Queenie, who lives in Shipley, has owned the shop for ten years, but started working there in 1996. "I came as a part-time shop assistant,” she says. “I really love it.”

Her daughter Ellie, who lives in Nottingham, came up with the shop’s name. “She is deaf and blind but when she visits, if I tell her the prices she can use the till and serve customers.

“Our twin grandchildren Thea and Logan, who live in Berkshire, love helping in the shop when they are staying.”

Thea helps out in the shop

A selection of cards of local interest

Every year, in spring and autumn, she visits two trade shows at the NEC in Birmingham to see check out new products.

She still has a soft spot for rubbers. “I get a flutter when I see new designs. I have just ordered some mermaids and rabbits. I usually get a couple for myself.”

Popular items include greeting cards featuring designs by local artists. “One lady makes them out of felt, and another makes cards from old prints of the area.”

Regular customers love to browse. “It’s not like a normal shop - people come in for a chat,” says Queenie. “Customers and surrounding businesses are very supportive. When we had a break-in last people came in to see if we were okay, and customers bought something to support us.”

She adds: “A customer from Brighton came in recently and said they always make sure they pop in when they are here as our greeting cards are ‘better than any in Brighton'."

Queenie is raising funds for the local food bank through raffles in the shop.

*The Little Stationery Shop, 14 Market St, Shipley BD18 3QD; The shop has a Facebook page: facebook.com/thelittlestationeryshop/