Founded in 1895, the old-fashioned Bambers Cheese store has reopened in Orchard Street after closing because of rising overhead costs in March.

The shop had briefly been incorporated in the Mark Williams and Sons pork butchers store next door but, after a public outcry, it is back in business with its own premises.

The company's secretary Steve Jones, 54, said: "Since we closed the shop, all the customers have been coming into the butchers to say they have been missing it. They say it's not been the same as everybody is used to going in the cheese shop.

"So we are going to open it again and have had a refit. The same staff are also going to be in there. It will be the only specialised cheese shop in Preston and we buy our cheese from local suppliers in Lancashire.

"I think, because it had been going for so long, it was a shame for it to go out of business. And we are bucking the trend in a time of doom and gloom."

His wife Susan will be managing the revamped store which has four members of staff.

Mrs Jones said: "I'm very excited about this. It's a third generation family business which has always been in Preston.

"It's well known and people always come back after visiting. I am so delighted we are still in business.

"Hopefully, with the support of our suppliers and customers, we will go from strength to strength."

The new shop is stocking a variety of Lancashire cheeses from local suppliers. It includes old favourites such as the Lancashire traditional mild and creamy cheese as well as the extra-strong Lancashire Bomb.

>> Queen to visit county's 'big cheese'


>> Vote in our latest web poll