THE family and former customers of the owner of Andover’s best-known sweet shop have paid tribute to an ‘amazing lady’ following her death.

Christabel Berry who ran Harveys at 78 High Street for around 60 years died on June 27 aged 82 whilst undergoing treatment for a broken hip and arm.

As a member of one of the town’s most entrepreneurial families, Christabel took over the running of the much-loved sweet shop after her parents Olive and Ronald Harvey gifted the business to her.

In 1970, Christabel’s husband John joined her before their retirement in 1997.

At one time Harveys was known for its massive collection of sweets, being the largest selection in Hampshire.

Remembering the time her mum and dad ran the shop, daughter Annabel said: “They had a really busy life, they would open the shop at six in the morning and it would be open until seven at night Monday and all the way through the weekend including Sunday.”

But it was also her campaigning nature that Christabel will be remembered for, having played a significant role in the anti-fluoride movement in 1993, even appearing in the Advertiser for her work, and she volunteered as secretary for the young Conservatives group.

Christabel was also a big part of the town’s operatic society and was involved in an Astra and Cantare singing group. Music is a hobby Christabel had continued during her retirement by singing with the Diamond Divas in Christchurch.

“She was the most loving and giving woman and was always smiling. She would give her last penny to someone if they needed it and had a huge sense of fun.

“She loved her family and loved children – we have suffered an enormous loss – and she was an amazing lady.”

Annabel added that her mum also liked “a bit of a flutter” at the betting office.

In tributes paid on social media after the announcement of her death, hundreds have shared their fond memories.

One former customer said she was “loved and cherished by all who knew her”, and another added: “Harveys Sweet Shop was legendary. Could literally spend hours in there trying to choose which sweets to buy”.

And in another post one person said: “I’m sure there are very many who will remember her and the lovely sweet shop.”

Christabel leaves behind husband John, children Roger, Caroline, Paul and Annabel along with four grandchildren.

She spent her later years in Mudeford, Dorset, after her retirement before moving to Sopley near Ringwood.

Her funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Andover, on Thursday, July 26 at 2pm and anyone who would like to attend is asked to email Annabel on annabel.sjb@gmail.com. Charitable donations are invited for Macmillan, Christabel’s favourite charity and the British Heart Foundation.