A RACING driver officially opened a new sweet shop in Princes Risborough.

Tom Ingram, 20, who hails from High Wycombe cut the ribbon The Sweet Retreat in the High Street on Saturday.

The old fashioned sweet shop is run by Leigh-Anne Kirby and stocks a variety of traditional sweets in jars, pick n’ mix, retro sweets, local fudge and more.

Leigh-Anne said: "An awful lot of hard work went into preparing for the shop’s official opening, from an awful lot of people - to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. There were plenty of long hours but come Saturday morning, we were ready for business.

"The day started with a stomach full of butterflies, but as soon as we went outside to do the official opening and saw a group of people already waiting to come in, I felt much better. I would like to thank Tom for opening The Sweet Retreat and signing posters; I think the kids really enjoyed that, not to mention several of the mums."

She said she had lots of help from her sister and cousin, which made a big difference.

Tom, 2013 Ginetta GT Supercup Champion, said: "I was very pleased to be asked to open The Sweet Retreat. It was great to see so many people there enjoying the sweets, and I wish Leigh-Anne all the very best for the future. And I can definitely recommend the liquorice torpedoes."

For more information go to www.thesweetretreat-ris.co.uk/