A BARKING mad new Barnoldswick store is aiming to put the fun back into the British hight street.

Tilltot’s Perfectly Mad Emporium, on Newtown, was opened at the end of July by managing director and long-time Barnoldswick resident, Mags Walker.

A mini-department store for kids of all ages - from 3 to 93 - the shop's motto is 'Look for the good in everyone and the fun in everything’.

Tilltot’s marked the start of the summer holidays by opening on July 26 with a big bark from Tilly, the four-year-old West Highland Terrier after whom the store is named.

Tilly, the Walker's family dog, features in all store branding and her arch-rival at home, Sebastian, a 19-year-old Persian cat, is also a part of the store’s branding.

Mags said Tilltot’s takes fun seriously and it will source cool stuff - previously found only in larger cities or online - to 'kids big and small' in an inspiring environment that encourages them to touch, try, and be creative.

Mags was inspired to create the shop to provide an occupation for her daughter Katie, who is confined to a wheelchair.

Staff are trained to ‘find the fun in everything’ and help customers enjoy their shopping experience - and their purchases.

Products ranging in price from 50p to over £50 include collectibles and toys, own brand and branded stationery, crafts, accessories and a locally designed and manufactured range of Perspex jewellery.

The business plans to open additional stores in the region in 2015 but selected Barnoldswick to be its number one because of family connections and the town’s deeply rooted tradition of community fun – shown in events such as Barnoldswick Beach and

Bands On The Square.

Customers and staff celebrated the opening with mocktails, cake and free Tilltot’s rock in honour of the opening theme – Life’s a Beach.

Mags said: “We’re all thrilled by the support we’ve had from Barlickers and local businesses in the area and would like to thank everyone who turned up for the opening to celebrate with us and discover some of the fun things that we think make Tilltot’s unique.”