A music shop owner is to add a new business to his empire.

Andrew Collins owns shops in Surrey and Kent and will take over Seaford Music in Pevensey Road, Eastbourne, when Martin and Sarah Wale move on after 11 years.

Mr Collins, who plays the viola and violin, has ambitious plans for the shop known for its selection of classical CDs and sheet music.

He will merge his mail order and sheet music business and introduce an easy payment scheme for people wishing to buy musical instruments.

He said: "I wish Martin and Sarah a happy future and look forward to taking the business they spent so many years developing to a new stage of development."

Mr and Mrs Wale plan to move to New Zealand but are confident they have left the business in good hands.

Mrs Wale said: "I am delighted that Andrew is taking up the reins of Seaford Music. He is well known in the industry and has a similar approach to customer care as we do."

Mr Collins also designs his own stringed instruments, many used by professional players.

For more information about the shop, log-on to: www.seaford music.co.uk