A MOTORCYCLE clothing store is blazing a new trail in the wake of the loss of an iconic building.

Three former staff members of the Rocket Centre have joined owner Stewart Holden at the MC-Hub motorcycle and clothing store, on Commercial Way in Darwen.

The Rocket Centre, on Trident Park in Whitebirk, closed its doors after 20 years after owner Ross Walker decided to retire, leaving a huge hole in the motorcycle market and one of the most iconic stores in the area vacant.

Since closing in November, the Lister Motor Company has bought the old Rocket Centre as part if its £10million expansion plans.

Mr Holden said it was a year ago this month that he first had the idea to open his own store.

He said: “It was a shock when Ross told us the news as I had worked for him for years. We got a lot of notice and the idea came to me about taking the clothing and accessories to a new store.

“I spoke to my dad about it and he said I should, and then sounded out three other staff members about joining me as their expertise was vital.

“Everything came together and here we are.

“The Rocket Centre was such a loss for the motorbiking community as it wasn’t just a shop. We had massive open days and it was where bikers met up before going out on a ride.

“We’ve had a lot of messages of support and I hope we can replace what was lost with the Rocket Centre.”

Four-time world superbike champion Carl Fogarty was at the opening of the new store, which also saw the official opening of the Grub at the Hub cafe, run by his wife Marie, who owned the Rocket Fuel cafe at the old building.

Mr Holden added: “Susan Brown, Sharon Deans and Johnny Sahami worked at the Rocket Centre and their expertise has been invaluable.

“Sharon and Johnny are experts on helmet fitting, and the rest of us are catching up. But it’s that attention to detail and customer service that we hope will attract old and new customers alike to us.

“Time has flown since I first had the idea.”