EVEN in these times of financial hardship it may only seem small change to most people.But now three pennies are helping to boost a Yarmouth's shop business by an impressive 25pc.

EVEN in these times of financial hardship it may only seem small change to most people.

But now three pennies are helping to boost a Yarmouth's shop business by an impressive 25pc.

The town's Pound Crazy store in the Market Place has seen the large rise in customers after it took the step of slashing its price tag of �1 an item to 97p.

In the last two weeks the price cutting move has proved an unqualified success as increasingly money conscious residents of the town and trippers snap up toiletries, cleaning goods, beach toys, tools, car accessories and hen night apparel for the new bargain price.

However the store's growing prosperity has landed its director Aaron Roberts with two new problems - what to call his shop and can staff find enough pennies in change.

Mr Roberts decided to undercut rival pound shops and a newly opened 99 chain store by the Market Gates Shopping Centre after he saw a story about the success of a similar discount store in Dorset.

In January Poole's Pound World store was forced to close after a rival 99p store opened on the opposite side of the street.

Mr Roberts is so pleased that his price slashing move has worked in boosting customer numbers he will be cutting prices at his other Pound Crazy store in Regent Street to 97p.

He said: “There is a lot of new competition out there in Yarmouth and I thought we could fight back by lowering prices.

“We can match any similar store for price and quality and because we have friendly staff we have a very loyal customer base.

“In the last two weeks we have seen customer numbers rise by 25pc and have certainly noticed how many more people have been browsing.

“We are really pleased with how it has gone so far. The only thing I don't know is what to call the store - maybe just the 97p shop and it can be a struggle to find enough change everyday.”

Alan and Ina Cameron, of Lowestoft, are regulars at the store and could be seen yesterday buying a car rear view window and hacksaw for just 97p each.

Mrs Cameron said: “I think the new price is a very good idea. Money does matter these days especially if you can knock a few pennies off things.”

The Market Place Pound Crazy has been open since August and the branch in Regent Street has been open for seven years.