THE owner of a new vegan store in Stourport has expressed her delight at the success of its opening day.

As One Vegan Lifestyle store, at Baldwin House, in Lombard Street, opened its doors to enthusiastic shoppers on Saturday, February 18.

Lindsey Clode, owner of the store, has fulfilled her dream of starting a small business, after retiring from her work in social care.

She said: "I became vegan 18 months ago, having been vegetarian for many years, so opening a shop promoting a humane diet and lifestyle seemed a natural thing to do.

"I have been encouraged by the big interest in veganism of many local people I have spoken to and I am delighted at the number of customers we had on Saturday.

"Everything in the shop is totally free from animal products, with man of the food items also being organic or gluten-free and we also sell beauty and household products that have not been tested on animals."

Ronald Lee, communications officer for local vegan education group, Wyre Vegan Action, said he was confident the store with be a great success.

Mr Lee added: "With the huge interest in veganism in recent years, we estimate there are now almost 1,000 vegans in the Wyre Forest area and several times that number of people who are keen to adopt a more compassionate lifestyle.

"I am sure the store will attract lots of customers, especially as it sells many excellent vegan products that are not currently available in health shops or supermarkets."