After three years lying empty one of Helston's former banks is to reopen as a brand new business.

The old Santander branch is to become a clothes shop, offering both specialist outfits for weddings and also a new range of casual items for everyday shoppers.

Behind it is Ann Pascoe, who is known throughout the south west for her mother of the bride outfits, with people coming from Plymouth and even further afield.

She has previously run Manor Fashions from her home near Sithney, but is now moving into Helston town centre and opening the shop in Meneage Street.

Not only will this be a new base for her business of the last ten years, but it will allow her to extend her range into casual clothes as well.

It is the latest business to open in the town centre this year, following The Lady Eve Vintage in August and news that the former Seven Stars pub is to become a rum distillery and eatery.

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Ann said: "I think there is a niche there for the type of casuals I've got, and it will help in the winter months when the mother of the bride side is quieter."

She will be selling a range of dresses, trousers, skirts, tops and jumpers, which she described as more fitted style smart-casuals from a variety of brands including Danish company Cream.

Their trousers include half sizes, so rather than the usual size 10, 12 and 14 there will also be sizes 11, 13, and 15.

"I would say my clothes would suit people probably from about mid 30s to older people like myself," she said.

There will also be a range of jewellery, with more accessories to come.

Ann believes she has something different to offer from other shops in Helston, adding: "It's a very different look to other shops in the town and different makes. I've made sure I'm not clashing with them."

She hopes people will give feedback and let her know what kind of clothes they would like her to stock.

"I don't know what the demand will be for certain things, so hopefully people will come in and tell me what they would like to see," she said.

The mother of the bride outfits will be in a separate section and available to view by appointment only. This range also includes hats and fascinators.

With people travelling some distance to view her collection, she hopes this will also bring new business to other shops in Helston.

"There will people that come for a mother of the bride outfit that have never shopped in Helston. I'm hoping they will see we do have some nice shops in town," she said.

Manor Fashions will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays, although appointments can still be booked later.

Ann hopes to be ready to open this Wednesday, as lockdown lifts, with an official opening by mayor John Martin on Saturday.