A POOLE woman is opening an American-style diner in the high street in memory of her aunt who was shot dead in Florida in 2018.

Caroline Morton-Hicks, 59, a landlady in Florida, was killed in Phinellas Park on February 12, 2018.

Caroline, who was originally from Weston-super-Mare, was an enthusiastic trombonist and was shot after an orchestra rehearsal.

Nearly two years later, Caroline’s niece Claire Timms, is opening an American diner on Poole high street on November 30 and naming it Sweet Caroline’s in her honour.

Claire said: “I have always wanted to open a 1950s-style American diner and got the opportunity to get this business and it was just a no-brainer to call it Sweet Caroline’s.

“It means so much to the family so it’s nice to have something a bit positive for the family.

“(Caroline) would be over the moon. She gave me my first job in a travel agent. She always had different businesses.”

Caroline, who was a widow, left behind her three children, now aged 21, 30 and 31. Jamie, the 21-year-old, is now training to be a lawyer while still living in America.

One of her tenants, who allegedly owed her 500 US dollars, was wanted for her murder. He was shot by police after a hostage situation occurred when they tried to take him into custody over a month later.

At the time, Claire said: “On behalf of the family we are pleased that justice has been served. Caroline was a compassionate landlord to this man and it’s unbelievable that he ended her life in such a cruel way. Caroline’s memorial service had over 500 people attend which shows how much she was loved.”

Claire said the building which will now be her diner used to be a bed and breakfast and a café. She saw it up for sale and thought it hadn’t been used as a café for over a year so had to buy it. “It will be a fun and happy place. All the girls will be in 1950s-style costumes, hopefully serving good food. Even if (customers) don’t want to buy anything, come along for a chat and a smile.”