New independent cards, gifts and homewares shop in Pontefract

He opened new business Twine on Ropergate last month and said customers have responded positively.

James, 38, said he named the business Twine as a nod to Ropergate's historic rope making trade.

James, who was brought up in Ackworth, said: "We have had a good start and lot of nice comments from people.

"People have said it's nice to see a different kind of shop in Pontefract and that it is what the town needed.

"We are getting compared to quality independent shops you see in York and Haworth.

"Me and my girlfriend Nicola came up with the idea. We like independent shops that sell something a little bit different."

Customer Joan Moody, who was browsing the shelves at Twine, said: "I think it's beautiful. With the variety of things here, there's something for everybody. We need more quality shops like this in Pontefract.”

James ran Dransfield newsagents on Station Lane in Featherstone for 11 years before selling it last September.