STAFF at the Keighley branch of jewellers’ chain Herbert Brown, which closed in September, have opened their own business in the same premises.

The three long-term employees will host the official launch of No63 Jewellers in the East Parade shop on Thursday November 7.

They are inviting former regulars and new customers to join them for “fizz and nibbles” between noon and 8pm.

The premises has been a jewellers and pawnbrokers since 1872, first as Barwick and Haggas then for the past 30-plus years as Herbert Brown.

Herbert Brown went through several owners in its final years.

The three employees, Tina Halligan, Jemma Burdett and Jo Harper, have between clocked up almost 50 years service at the premises.

Tina said No63 Jewellers would continue to sell new and second hand jewellery, buy gold, and carry out jewellery repairs.

It would provide a ‘buy-back’ service rather pawnbroking, and will introduce new lines of jewellery and wedding and christening gifts.

In September, all 116 branches of Herbert Brown and A&B Pawnbrokers (Albemarle & Bond) were closed by owner Owner Speedloan Finance.

The company said the stores had suffered significant losses, and said it was trying to find a buyer for some of the stores.