A POPULAR florist run by a mother and daughter for the past 20 years is set to close.

Papyrus, on South Parade in Cleckheaton, has served the community for two decades, providing floral bouquets for family occasions including weddings and funerals.

Owners Mary and Sarah Lee have been at the front and centre of the business throughout that period.

But with the sad news of Mary being diagnosed with cancer, Sarah has decided to put family first.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Sarah said a lot of her customers will be "gutted" to see the shop shut on Saturday, September 2, but understand her reasoning.

She said: "A lot of the customers are totally gutted but understand that family comes first.

"You have to do what is best for you instead of stressing about flower orders.

"I am still going to do funeral flowers and specials as and when I can."

She added: "I just can't commit to that massive work commitment anymore because of caring for my mum and my children.

"I am an only child so I am going to have to juggle looking after her and working.

"I have been offered a job that works around school hours. It was too good of an opportunity to miss."

Papyrus has been able to survive and thrive for many years, despite facing hurdles like Covid.

Sarah touched on why she thought Papyrus had been so successful.

"It is all word of mouth," she said.

"We have never really advertised. Generations have grown up with us.

"We have seen families grow up and we have continued to serve from daughters of parents who started shopping for us.

"Flowers are a luxury item so if people are struggling to pay their mortgage, rent or bills, that is something they are going to cut down on.

"We have seen a steady decline but that is the case in every industry at the moment. 

"We were busy throughout the pandemic but flower prices have gone up massively.

"A lot of the growers have stopped doing it. It is all down to supply and demand."

Sarah has been overwhelmed by the response she has received from customers.

Taking to Facebook, she said: "I just want to say a massive thank you for all your lovely kind words and messages following my announcement.

"It means the world to us all."