A TOWN hall improvement grant has helped to give a fledgling business in Colne a cup of cheer.

Independent merchants About Coffee have established themselves in the former Hype clothing store, at the corner of Market Street and Ivegate.

And to improve their historic premises, they used a £3,000 refurbishment grant, approved by the Colne area committee.

Colin and Sue Unwin are now looking forward to the challenges of their first year’s trading in Colne, which has seen the arrival of a new of number outfits recently.

Colin, a former teacher, said: “The grant was very useful and getting free business rates for our first year was good too.

“It makes the project viable because the building was in such a poor condition and required so much remedial work.”

For an application form, call 01282 661677 or email town.centres@pendle. gov.uk.