FORMER Kendal shoe shop Briggs took on a new lease of life when it reopened as part of national retailing group, Stead & Simpson, writes Beth Broomby.

The new store, Famous Footwear, will continue the tradition of selling shoes, but extend the business to include clothes and household wares, said area manager Steve Allenston.

The exhibition on Kendal's history would be retained in the upper part of the premises, he said, where there was now also a restaurant for customers to enjoy meals, snacks and drinks.

"We hope that people will visit perhaps once a week to look around and enjoy themselves, not just call in when they want a pair of shoes," said Mr Allenston.