THE launch of a new shop in Manchester Road, Bury, has marked something of a homecoming for businesswoman Joanne Newman.

Her Scallywag’s Gifts shop is next door to a former newsagents which was run by her family.

Joanne worked for 10 years in the Sunnybank News Stand shop. Today, the premises serves as an off-licence but they still hold fond and sentimental memories.

“I gave up working at the shop around 20 years ago,” said Joanne, who opened her own Scallywag’s Gift store in September.

She prides herself on the fact that her business is somewhat unique in terms of the unusual and fascinating goods she stocks.

“I do three dimensional greetings card, gifts, toys and puppets which no-one else in this area has,” said Joanne.

Her shop is adorned with traditional, sturdy wooden toys, a range of craft goods together with eye-catching wall art and mirrors.

“When people walk into the shop, they tell me they haven’t seen anything like it. And the locality of the shop is also a big thing.”