FORMER Coronation Street barmaid Shelley Unwin took time out from pulling pints to open a new shop in Alcester.

Actress Sally Lindsay helped open the doors to Voyage Home, a gift and interiors store on High Street.

Mother and daughter duo Marie Kennedy and Natasha Minchella already have a number of famous clients through their other shop based in Solihull, including Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Weller and Linda Barker.

Sally is a close friend of Natasha, who said she was reluctant to ask her to open the new store but when she did, the actress agreed straight away.

"She really was ideal for us to have for the opening as she is so warm and friendly, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere we want in our shop," said Natasha.

"She is a great mirror image of our shop and we hope people will see that we are warm and welcoming and very approachable."

And the duo, who are looking to move to the town, are excited about their new outlet as they feel Alcester is lively, with plenty of activities going on.

"We can't wait to give people lots of ideas to help furnish their homes," said Natasha.