AN independent business has been saved from closure thanks to the help of another local businessman.

Photo Express has been in Braintree for 26 years, but due to a lack of business and high rates closed its George Yard store on Saturday.

Luckily the owner of the Post Office, in New Street, Jake Singh, stepped in and offered the business a lifeline.

Fung Wong, owner of Photo Express, said: “He has given us a very good deal to move in there.

“We are really surprised that someone would do that for us and we are really appreciative of what Mr Singh has done for us.”

The new Photo Express will occupy a section in the post office building near to the shop counter and should be opening some time at the beginning of April.

Mr Singh said: “When I found out they were closing I thought it would have an effect on our services quite a lot.

“We have a high fail rate on the photo booths here for passport photos but their photos never fail.

“I thought it would be a problem for us and approached them to see if we could help. It is really nice to be able to help them.

“The expenses they were paying there made it very difficult for them because of the cost.

“It is difficult to make ends meet as a small business owner at the moment so I know what it is like and I wanted to help.

“It is handy them being here for both of us.

“When people come in and ask where they can get photos done we are always sending them to Photo Express anyway but now we wont have to.

“It will complement our business and they can benefit from our footfall as well.”