A POPULAR family run sweet shop that's been a Millport institution since the 1940s is changing hands.

The Sweetshop in Guildford Street has been a regular stop-off for sweet-toothed residents and visitors for 80 years.

Jennifer Sim and her parents, Billy and Janice, have sold the business to Tom and Polly Mitchell after putting it up for sale last year.

In a Facebook post, Jennifer said: "it's the end of an era, of my parents and I working in the sweetie shop we have had since 2006.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.

"As one door closes another opens. We would like to wish Tom and Polly all the best for their new venture."

Tom responded: "We are honoured and thrilled to be taking over a genuine Millport institution.

"We will do our best to be good custodians and preserve The Sweetshop Millport traditions for all customers.

"We would like to thank Jennifer, Billy and Janice for allowing us this fab opportunity."

The shop has been established for 80 years in Millport and is based in a prime location on the main road.

Celebrity visitors over the years have included weather forecaster Judith Ralston, footballer Ally McCoist, comedian Frankie Boyle, TV presenter Carol Smillie, actor Elaine C. Smith and well-known Millport fan Gavin Mitchell, also known as 'Bobby the Barman' from Still Game.

Billy Sim took over the business in 2006 and has been serving up favourites like Millport Rock and homemade tablet ever since.

The Cumbrae resident, who lives on the island with wife Janice, snapped up the shop after spotting it for sale when visiting his parents in Millport.

The most popular seller over the years has been the shop's Millport tablet, which is made on the island from a special recipe passed down from owner to owner.

In an interview with the News last year, Billy said: "There has also been a huge rise in the popularity of sugar free items and we have stocked more and more of that as the years went on.

“Although the habits have changed, the customers and the tourists coming back every year are all the same.

"It's nice that you start to recognise people after a while - and lovely that they always want to come back.

"I'll be sad to say goodbye, but the time is right for me to sell up and pass on this special place to someone else."