A new shop specialising in 'Man Cave' items has opened in Ashby.

Take A Peaky is owned by Mark Gilliver and Stuart Benson, who is also the Town Centre Manager.

They came up with the idea of selling quirky items featuring music, TV shows, films and cars among others.

Mark also runs the Short Cut barber's next door and the pair believe they have spotted a gap in the market locally.

A number of new businesses are opening in the town but this one is different.

Mark explained: "Me and Stuart have been mates for a long time and we opened the store for the first time last Thursday."

Stuart added: "We're selling Man Cave type of things.

"People have been spending more time in their homes over the past year and realising they have space in their homes for their passion.

"We've looked at it and identified the kinds of things that are really funky and will go within any type of decor - whatever you're interested in.

"We've got car memorabilia, stuff on music, sports, football ground signs and movie memorabilia."

The pair hope it will be an ideal target for those looking for a Father's Day present on June 20 - as well as those searching something different at Christmas time.

Mark added: "We have gift sets of mugs and coaster, glasses decanter sets, there's a lot of different things.

"We always wanted to set up something together and this just sort of happened.

"We started looking and when we saw the things we could do, it all just came to life."

The pair believe they have an advantage over online shopping as their stock is all in one place and you can see the items before you buy.

Mark said: "You can buy things online, they look great, but when it arrives, the quality isn't what it seemed.

"You can see what you're getting here. The prices are also competitive, hopefully people will think that there's not much difference in price and I can see what I'm getting."

But the duo say they can also cater for pubs, bars and restaurants looking to add something to their interior design.

Stuart added: "The Monkey Tree in Ashby has already order three or four items.

"It's all part of the recovery of Ashby after the pandemic.

"And, in my job, I can see to be promoting the town from both sides.

"I'm involved with the recovery from the council's point of view and that shows confidence if I've got a stake in a business in Ashby."

Stuart also explained the name of the shop, Take A Peaky.

He said: "It's a play on words with the TV series Peaky Blinders, it's sort of the concept of the shop - so come and take a look.

"We have a lot of Peaky Blinders items here."

The shop is open three days a week for now, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, because it is a niche store.

But they have not ruled out extending their hours in future.

Take A Peaky is open from 10am-4pm Thursday-Saturday.

• Mayor Ashby, Graham Allman, added: " I was delighted to be invited to attend the official opening of this new exciting business located in Mill Lane Mews.

"It's one of several new retail outlets being launched within the town, demonstrating the entrepreneurial sprit which Ashby is renowned for.

"The Mayoress, Charmaigne. accompanied me on a fine sunny spring morning and we were so pleased to see the retail life blood of our magical town rekindled by the highly experienced partnership of Stuart Benson and Mark Gilliver."