FORMER teachers Andy Ballard and Alison Williams are heading off to Spain after selling Bridge End Stores in Earith. They had run the shop for 10 years.

This established outreach post office and stores, for which they were asking almost �400,000, attracted multiple offers from buyers across the country with the successful bid coming from an experienced London operator.

The new owner, Mr Kailasapillai Sivanathan, had previously spent 20 years in Norway, having moved there from Sri Lanka in the 1980s, and wanted to join his wife’s family in the UK.

Mr Ballard and Mrs Williams plan to head for warmer climes for their next business venture.

Mark Page, the Ipswich-based Christie and Co associate director who handled the sale, said: “We are delighted to have been able to help Andy and Alison fulfil their dreams in what will be a third dramatic career change.

“We also wish Mr Sivanathan and his family a happy and successful time in Earith and are sure they will be welcomed into the community.”

He would not disclose the selling price of the freehold.