A LOCAL business is welcoming the public to join them in celebrations of their 25th anniversary.

This Friday, Rob Santwris Carpets & Flooring, on Lower Dock Street in Newport, is celebrating 25 years of being in Newport.

The festivities will begin at the store, at 1.30pm, and the day will include entertainment and a buffet, with the Deputy Mayor expected to attend.

Rob Santwris began selling carpets in 1993, when there were around 2.5 million people unemployed, Wales had just missed out on another World Cup, and Meat Loaf was at No.1 in the charts.

Mr Santwris would work away from home, fitting carpets with his brother-in-law, and riding a bike to customers homes for measurements and quotes, as he had no car at the time.

After passing his driving test, Mr Santwris bought an estate carpet, so he could buy carpets directly and take them to customers houses.

With the business growing he bought a shop in Maindee to further expand business, but five year ago he took on the bigger premises on Lower Dock Street, which includes a warehouse and bigger showroom.

Family friend, Dave Went, said: "Rob Santwris carpets are a true family business. Along with his wife, Mandy, they employ their daughter and son-in-law

"They sell carpets and flooring throughout South Wales, and the West Country, always at a very competitive price."

Rob Santwris Carpets & Flooring's showroom is open between 9am and 5pm on week days, and 10am until 4pm on Saturdays. They offer a completely free in house measuring and quotation service.

"They will be hitting 2019 with some great new ideas to take the company forward for the next 25 years," added Mr Went.

Find them on Facebook: @robsantwriscarpets