THE new owner of a coffee and music shop based inside St Helens Book Stop said the support from his friends and community following its launch this weekend has been “incredible”.

Sam Rughoo launched Chorus Coffee Shop housed inside St Helens Book Stop on Saturday, November 2.

His aim is to bring a touch of music to the venue, while offering the flavour customers have come to love.

When Two Brothers announced earlier this year that they would be leaving the community-led bookshop on Bridge Street, the community was saddened by the news.

However, its former manager stepped in to become the new owner of the coffee shop.

(Image: Inside Chorus)

The premise of the coffee venue is to sell the same delicious coffee as before but also offer a selection of Vinyl records, guitars, music supplies and revamped guitars.

The work transforming the place was caried out by Sam and his friends and family after hours over four days - and he says the response has been great.

He said: "It's been a great reaction, the public have been incredible coming in an supporting the new shop.

(Image: Inside Chorus)

"It's been really hard to do the work after hours and I pulled in a lot of favours with family and friends with the offer of coffee for their services - but we managed to get it done.

"The vinyl stand has been built by a friends of mine with me helping and we've got more chairs with plans for more tables and chairs on the way soon.

"The music side of the shop now adds another element to the space and I can order records in for people who want them or pieces for the guitars or repairs, so I'm hoping it's an extra thing people can be happy for being in St Helens."