THE daughters of one of Blackburn's most famous businessmen are hoping to follow in his footsteps -- by opening businesses just 20 feet apart!

Elaine Lishman, 44, and Claire Vause, 34, are the daughters of former Blackburn Rovers' chairman Bill Fox, who became president of the Football League and led the club to the brink of the Premier League.

Now they are hoping to do their entrepreneur dad proud after opening Flower Occasions and The Real Sandwich Company Ltd, in Blackburn's East Park Road.

Their sister Christine Pickering helps out in both shops.

They are taking after their father's skill of being self-employed -- he ran the TS Fox and Sons fruit and vegetable store on Blackburn market until the early 1980s.

And now the Blackburn sisters see their success as a tribute to their father Bill, mother Marjorie and brother Michael who have all died during the past ten years.

It became a sister act after Claire tipped Elaine off about the budding out-of-town location two doors down from her shop.

She had heard the butcher wanted to sell his property, and she knew Elaine had always wanted her own flower shop.

Elaine made an offer and the shop opened last week.

Claire said: "I know she is talented with flowers and that it has been an ambition to have a flower shop -- and that it would be lovely to have her working her in Blackburn.

"So I told her about it when I heard it was up for sale.

"It's wonderful to have her close because we've been through traumas -- losing dad, mum and Michael.

"Dad was self-employed in a family market traders -- so we've been brought up in a self-employed family so we've always been encouraged to run our own business. "I would like to think that somewhere Michael, mum and dad are together and very proud.

"I think Elaine's shop is absolutely beautiful and must admit I'm delighted with mine."

Elaine had been living in Stockport working in a flower shop, but was happy to return to her hometown.

Elaine said: "Claire mentioned it at Christmas -- if she hadn't we wouldn't have had the opportunity.

"It's an excellent position, I've parking, a good local run and the college is nearby. It's ideal.

"We've been popping in each other's shops and our other sister has been helping both of us out.

"We are settling back in the area after moving from Stockport."

Bill Fox died aged 63 on December 9, 1991, just as Jack Walker's millions had taken the club to the verge of the Premier League. He had been a supporter of Blackburn Rovers since before World War Two. He was elected to the board of directors in 1976, became vice-chairman three years later, and chairman in 1982. In 1989 he was elected president of the Football League.