AN independent memorials firm in Bolton has unveiled a new shop and office as part of an expansion effort.

Alec Bingham and his son Andrew, of AB Memorials and Signs are behind the project at the junction of Lever Street and Market Street in Little Lever.

Mr Bingham, a 48-year veteran of the memorials trade, has always had a thriving workshop at the rear of Lever Street.

But now with the addition of a shopfront, he is hopeful the move will be more welcoming for customers.

And it will provide extra space for his sign-writer son to develop that side of the operation, which was first established in 2004.

Mr Bingham said: "We wanted to create a nice environment for when people placing orders."

In their time, AB has been involved in fitting more than 1,200 memorials.

"We've seen a number of businesses come and go there and it's a really good frontage," he added.