ALI Tyrer's new clothes and gift shop in Rainford village will "keep the Tyrers legacy alive" - but this time she's putting her personal stamp on the enterprise.

The boutique, housed in a former post office and bakery in Church Road, will open with a vintage theme on August 21, around seven months after Bridge Street store Tyrers closed its doors after 128 years in business.

Ali, who was Tyrers' managing director, is naming the store 'Ellamora', saying she felt it was time to dispense with the Tyrers brand as it represents the traditional department store.

But, she said, she will still put everything she learned from the family business into practice - and the new shop's name, composed of her youngest daughter's name 'Ella' and her own middle name 'Mora', still has family significance.

She said: "The vision for this shop is modern, vibrant and very much about the experience - but I brought along my grandfather's chest, my father's desk - which has been rubbed down and spruced up - and a door from Bridge Street.

"I was devastated when Tyrers closed - but then, just at the right time, I spotted this shop for sale when I was on the school run and I fell in love with it."

Ali, who has daughters Hannah and Ella and a son Edward, added: "This is a lovely village location. Another town centre shop would risk the same competition from the out-of-town retail parks and online shopping as Tyrers did.

"I'm starting again, with a small shop in the heart of the community, just how my ancestors started.

"We've refurbished it from top to bottom, and are now putting the finishing touches on.

"It will be something different for Rainford, so will help put the village on the map - and I'm looking forward to spending more time on the shop floor."

Ali, who lives in Prescot with husband Clint and the children, said she is bringing two former members of Tyrers staff to work for her and she will be getting help from Tyrers' window dresser.

She said: "As well as the ladies' fashion and gifts, there will be cards and babywear - which is new for me. I always wanted to do babywear.

"There's been lots of interest already and I can't wait to meet the customers old and new."

Ellamora, facing the Derby Arms pub, will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday but with a 6pm finish on Thursdays; on Saturdays it will open from 10am to 4pm.