WHEN they were little boys they spent their pocket money there but now Dave Carter and Martyn Perry own Dudley’s famous Fountain Arcade Toy Shop.

The business partners recently re-opened the much-loved shop which has undergone a major facelift to restore the facade to its former 1930s glory.

Former Dudley Council worker Mr Carter, aged 47, and Mr Perry, aged 51, plan to keep the shop as well-stocked as it was with a large variety of toys for all ages – and they are planning to bring back a stock of Scalextric to the store.

Mr Carter said: “I can’t quite believe we now own the toy shop which we used to visit as kids. We have had so many people coming in saying how glad they are that it is staying as a toy shop so they can carry on the tradition of buying their children and grandchildren toys from the town.”

The pair have taken over from town stalwart and former owner Alan Caswell, who closed the door on the business, which his family has run since 1968, as he started his well-earned retirement in May.

The local businessman, who sold toys to the two new owners 30 years ago when they were schoolboys, said he was delighted the shop was continuing and hoped it would carry on providing toys for future generations of Dudley children.

He said: “Closing the doors on the toy shop was very emotional – we’ve been a part of the town for so long but it was time to retire.

"I’m really glad two local lads who used to come and spend their pocket money here are taking the business forward and I hope people will continue to support it.”