A FORMER plumber is hoping to score a hit after opening East Lancashire’s first dedicated Northern Soul shop.

Part-time DJ Neil Grainger has taken the plunge and turned the former Shindiggz shop in Whalley Road, Clitheroe, into a shrine to the soul scene.

Mr Grainger, born and bred in Clitheroe, said he hoped to tap into the large fanbase the movement still has in the north west.

The 52-year-old, whose daughter Olivia is helping him run A Little Bit of Soul, said: “We’ve stocked up on paintings and prints, vinyl and CDs, patches and badges, and hopefully the collectables will keep growing.

“We’ve been here for a few weeks but had an official opening ceremony on Saturday with the Mayor of Ribble Valley, Coun Michael Ranson, and all the Clitheroe mods.

“There’s been a decent amount of interest but I know it’s going to take a while to build up.

“I still do a bit of DJing and have a little bit of property but I’m going to make a good go of it.”