A UNIQUE gift shop and creative hub has opened its doors in Taunton.

Rocket and Bird, based at The Courtyard, opened on Tuesday, March 5. The new independent shop features more than 20 different makers, designers and artists, with 11 of those based in Taunton.

The business venture was started by two small business owners, Susie Thomas and Jeanette Crawford, who came together to open a hub of creativity and to showcase the talent of local people.

Co owner, Susie Thomas, said: "Rocket and Bird is a unique gift shop new to Taunton. Absolutely everything in our shop has been designed, produced, created in Somerset by independent makers.

"We are pushing the buy local and shop Somerset campaign and urging people to support the small independent businesses by shopping with us.

"We stock a variety of products including handmade chocolate, candles, jewellery, homeware, prints, gifts, greetings cards, children’s clothes, original art, handbags and so much more.

"We are both makers and have our own small businesses in Taunton. We will be selling our own work in the shop alongside all the other gorgeous items."

The new business also features a studio space upstairs.

She added: "We have both been running our creative businesses for many years and we want to support other small local creative businesses.

"When the shop is up and running we will also be running business workshops for different elements of running a creative business."