A DERELCIT bakery on Ulverston's high street which has stood vacant for years has begun a new era as a fashion store this week.

High fashion heels, boots, sandals as well as women's clothes now fill the former Birketts Market Street branch after Ulverston sisters Michelle Scrogham and Leanne Fox launched Pure' with the support of a £7,000 start-up grant from Furness Enterprise.

It is the first shop for Ms Scrogham, who used to work in customer services for NatWest bank, and for Ms Fox, who used her art school skills to design the curvy brown and cream interior.

"Birketts had a long lease on the property so they were happy to leave it. But when it finally came up we went for it.

"It was damp, dingy and horrible so it's had a complete overhaul," said Ms Scrogham demonstrating her calloused hands after a pre-launch all-nighter to finish the decoration.

"It's been bedlam since, really, really busy. I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out."

Ms Scrogham, who used to work at nearby Ulverston shoe shop Peacock Pie, believes the store should add to the town's allure.

"This is something extra, Ulverston has just started to get some really good new shops. The more we can offer, the more people will be attracted to the town."