A teenager who used her life savings to launch her own clothes store in Melksham has described how she took inspiration from her grandmother’s brave battle with cancer.

Shae Gumm, 19, of Bowerhill near Melksham, opened her new shop, called Inspired, in Stable Yard off High Street, on Saturday, after using money given to her by her grandfather Mike Laws, 61.

The name of the store stems from Mr Laws' wife and Miss Gumm’s grandmother, Sue Laws, who died of cancer in 2008.

Miss Gumm said: “I got the name from her because she was diagnosed with lots of different types of cancer and was only given a year to live.

“That was 11 years ago though, and she was so strong and such an inspiration throughout her illness, that I got the name for the shop from her.

“I know she would be proud of what I have done with my savings because she wanted me to do something sensible.”

The former St Augustine’s Catholic College pupil said her mother Rachael Gumm, who is a science technician at the John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, is helping out with the new shop and with the book-keeping, but said she will mostly be running the shop on her own, six days a week.

“It did a lot better than we thought it would have on the first day. It was very busy and I sold quite a lot,” she said.

“People were saying how much they liked the clothes, which are going out clothes for people aged 15 and up.

“It is really nice stuff, but it is affordable.

“My friends have been really supportive and have come in to buy things.

“I don't know if I am the youngest shopkeeper in the area, but I think I might be.”

Miss Gumm said she is adapting well to running the store, for which she buys in stock from London. Her ambition is to open a chain of stores.

She said despite the current economic climate she is positive about the business and has only received good feedback.

“It’s not so bad when you work for yourself and you don’t mind putting in the hard work,” she said.

Inspired is open from 9.30am until 5.30am from Monday to Saturday.