A NEW Accrington and Stanley fans outlet shop has been opened in Accrington Market Hall by one of the club's biggest fans.

Sporting legend, David Lloyd, also known as 'Bumble' officially opened the shop by cutting a red ribbon in front of customers and fans.

Despite making his name in cricket before becoming a Sky Sports commentator, Mr Lloyd, born in Accrington, is a passionate Accrington Stanley fan.

He said: "I remember coming here when I was a teenager and it was known as Peggy's coffee bar.

"It was the meeting place that we all came to, to catch up with each other.

"Its important to have this because it is a point of interest and will bring in passing trade in an iconic building.

"It was a great opportunity to come and do this."

The new shop will be run by Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club (OASSC) and sell memorabilia and merchandise.

Match tickets, season tickets and programmes from the shop will also be available to buy.

The supporters group have set themselves a target of raising £40,000 by June 1 to host a fan's zone which which will provide entertainment for fans before and after matches.

Nick Westwell, chairmen of the supporters group, said: "We have already raised £24,000 and want to reach our goal.

"We all got stuck in to setting up the shop and believe it can be successful because we are bringing the club into the town.

"It is part of the town and will become a focal part of it by bringing it into the community."

Part of the large corner unit also serves as a factory shop for Altham-based housewares and bakeware manufacturer Wham, which is Stanley’s stadium sponsor.

Tony Grimshaw, director of Wham, said: "The shop is important because any tool that can get Accrington Stanley in the community has to be good.

"It is the supporter group's idea and we are backing it.

"The money is for a good cause and with the shop being in the community, people will be interested in it."

David Burgess, managing director of Accrington Stanley, said: "I think this will show that we are moving forward to better opportunities for the club.

"It is good to bring it to the town and have the community spirit so people can come in and visit."

The shop will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4pm and 9am until 2pm on Wednesday.

Nick has also appealed to OASSC members and other devoted Stanley fans for donations of memorabilia to sell at the shop and for volunteers to join a weekly staffing rota.

Anyone interested can call him on 07730 373433 or email n.westwell@sky.com.