CRAFT gifts made in places as far afield as Vietnam and Guatemala, as well as by talented artists nearer to home in Devon, are on sale in Brixham's newest shop.

Husband and wife team Diana and Richard John have opened Gifted2 – Made By Hand, in Fore Street.

The couple relocated their business to the fishing port from Suffolk after visiting the town during their honeymoon earlier this year.

Richard has 30 years of senior corporate and government experience in Australia behind him, while Diana set up her own saddlery business 22 years ago.

They decided to put their combined experience to good use and, in 2010, established a high-quality, hand-made international gift shop – Gifted in Lavenham – in the mediaeval village of the same name.

Richard said: "We spent some time in Devon on our honeymoon and the county made such a strong impression we decided to move ourselves and our business to it.

"Brixham particularly appealed and we are delighted to have opened our new business close to the wonderful harbour."

Diana believes their eclectic mix of high-quality, hand-made products will appeal to a wide range of customers.

"The shop aims to represent the best of high-quality, international, hand-made products from Britain and elsewhere," she said.

"Countries as diverse as Vietnam and Guatemala provide sources for unusual gifts mostly created under the auspices of Free Trade."

The shop also sells a wide range of gifts created by talented British artists and craftspeople, said Diana, adding: "Two glass makers have created colourful and beautifully crafted items.

"There is humour in the shape of a detailed pottery dog asleep cuddling a teddy bear, and a sheep wrapped in scarves against the winter cold."

Also in stock are original and delicate ceramic vases and clocks, wood-turned fruit, plus a wide selection of unusual costume and internationally designed fine silver jewellery.

Tiny, felt, worry-doll hair slides, notebooks covered in beautiful Indian material, funny-face felt bags and vehicular money boxes are sure to appeal to the shop's younger customers.

Diana added: "There are also magnificently detailed items such as bicycles, motorbikes and trawlers made from recycled materials in South Africa and Madagascar.

"In short, there is something for almost everyone, whether looking for an addition to the home, a present for a friend or relative or for a niece, nephew or grandchild."

Devonian craftspeople are also represented in the shop, particularly in the highly competitive area of hand-made jewellery.

Robert Stuart Hill, a sculptor and artist from Chudleigh, designs and makes stunning neck pieces from materials such as pewter, bronze and graphite, while Isabelle Gorska-Kwak, of Exeter, exercises her considerable skill in creating a range of contemporary items from semi-precious stone, many imported from Poland, including striated agates, carnelians, scarlet coral and even volcanic lava, as well as silver.

Richard said: "We look forward to welcoming Devonians and other visitors to Gifted2 and I will naturally be on the lookout for fellow Australians."