It’s like entering another world – and a very colourful one at that.

A world of sun, sea, and also survival.

Melanie Mogford is the proud owner of Beach and Body in Westbourne.

It’s one of the few independent specialist swimwear shops in the UK.

The pandemic has seen them drop like flies.

Just six or so are thought to remain and Beach and Body is the only one on the south coast.

Customers travel from all over the country for the extensive range.

Twenty brands and thousands of swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, beachwear, cover ups and accessories.

But, also, for the personal service and attention of Melanie who runs the shop with part-time assistant Clare Jenkins, pictured.

Decades of experience mean there’s nothing she doesn’t know about choosing the right swimsuit for each body shape, size and age.

In fact, Melanie can just look at a woman and know exactly what is the best fit.

She said: “We all have lumps and bumps.

“Our job is to make sure everything fits perfectly – and it does.

“Often ladies feel nervous about going on holiday or being by the side of the pool.

“We make them feel better about themselves and give confidence.”

Melanie has worked in retail for 44 years.

Previous ventures have included a shop in Ringwood, selling cosmetics, beauty products and toiletries.

Originally Beach and Body was a lingerie retailer, selling a small selection of swimwear.

Almost on a whim Melanie decided to concentrate solely on swimwear.

She said: “Looking back it was a massive risk.

“But it felt right – and it worked.

“We doubled our turnover in the first year.”

Melanie celebrates 21 years in the business this year.

Customers are from around 35 years of age up to their 80’s.

About 70 per cent of purchases are for holidays with prices ranging from £80 to £200.

On the wall next to the till reads the message ‘Always summer somewhere!’

Beach and Body enjoyed its best-ever year in 2019.

January to March and the summer months are typically the busiest.

But as with all retailers, and especially those linked with travel and leisure, business dropped off a cliff in 2020 with the pandemic.

Melanie said: “I haven’t looked at the figures.

“It was just horrible.

“We started an online e-commerce site.

“It was a good time to do it but you cannot beat personal service.”

As customers return, Melanie is hoping to work alongside independent travel agents in the region to promote the expected staycation boom.

And as more countries join the green list Beach and Body is set to be the first destination for those wishing to update their swimwear.

Melanie is optimistic.

She said: “I’m very hopeful about this year.

“People are just desperate to get away and many of our customers have second homes too.

“We handpick everything we sell with top quality fabrics which last longer than cheaper items.

“I’ve spent all my working life in retail and feel very fortunate to have lovely customers.

“There are few things more satisfying than seeing them go out of the shop with a smile on their faces.”

• beachandbody.co.uk