Miss Monmouthshire, Emilie Parry Williams, officially opened a new venture in Abergavenny, which is the brainchild of former HR professional Mandy Knight.

Amanda Jayne Shoes, In Cross Street, stocks shoes handcrafted in Italy, by designers including Luciano Padovan and Sandro Vicari, which are personally selected by Mandy Knight, who says she is a 'lifelong shoe aficionado.

Until recently, the business operated online and from a home-based studio in a converted granary building in Gwehelog, near Usk. The studio will still be available for events and private consultations.

Mandy said: “I wanted to open a ladies shoe boutique offering stylish, elegant, finely crafted shoes, which are an absolute delight to wear, whether for every day use or a special occasion. I know that my customers are looking for something a little different and my collection reflects that.

"Not only that, but I aim to create a special retail experience where I take time to get to know my customers and where they are consistently surprised and delighted at what they find and experience. Amanda Jayne also offers private individual appointments for that unhurried and personal attention and a changing room is available in the boutique to enable customers to try on matching outfits.”

The boutique is located at 16 Cross Street, next to The Angel Hotel.