A HISTORIC Chester city centre jewellers is to reopen its doors this week, exactly five months after it had shut up shop.

Lowe and Sons will reopen on the Chester Rows on Friday, November 16, following tireless efforts by neighbouring jewellers Powell's Fine Jewellery to bring the name back to the high street.

Back in April Lowe and sons had announced it was closing after 248 years, with its final day of trading on June 16. But now the name has returned.

Commenting on the reopening, Len Prescott said: “After first hearing of the intention to close Lowe’s we at Powell’s Fine Jewellery were saddened to learn of its departure from the Chester Rows.

"It has been a pillar of the jewellery and silverware industry for almost 250 years and drew many clients from across the world to the city.

"As a family of jewellers ourselves, we didn’t want to see the beautiful Victorian showroom be lost to the both the industry and the public in general. With this in mind we immediately set about looking at taking the lease once the existing company closed.

"Working tirelessly since March of this year, we have been striving to save this unique piece of Chester’s history and bring it back to the high standards and traditions that made Lowe’s a destination for so many customers over its long and illustrious lifetime.

"We have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to recruit several members of the original team, including Kevin Parry, the manager who has worked there since the age of 16.

"He managed the store for many years before its closure, and is something of a local celebrity in the antique and silverware scene.

"With his help and input we have been searching far and wide to bring together a selection of fine jewellery and silverware for the showroom.

"It is with genuine delight that we are able to announce that Lowe and Sons will be reopening its doors and keeping its place on Bridge Street Row in the historic city of Chester.

"We very much look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers to our iconic store from Friday, November 16, and are proud to be adding a new and exciting chapter to the legacy of this prestigious part of Chester’s heritage.”