A popular shop re-opened in a Fenland town this month after a revamp that cemented its reputation as the go-to for all things "alternative." 

Dark Realms in Market Street, Wisbech, officially relaunched on October 5 during a ceremony attended by mayor, Cllr Sidney Imafidon. 

Nigel Swan and Andrena Bidgood took the plunge and opened more than two years ago, offering a range of eclectic stock appealing to goth, punk and heavy metal fans alike. 

They moved from Essex wanting to set up their own business and had planned on setting up an animal sanctuary before rethinking the decision due to a demand for T-shirts. 

Mr Swan told The Wisbech Standard: "Neither of us had run our own business before, so opening up a shop was a daunting prospect. 

"We'd managed to get a loan from the Combined Authority's Start and Grow program to help fund the shop, and it was really touch and go as to whether we'd be able to open in time. 

"All in all, it probably took two to three weeks from moving into the property to getting it up and running again because it was quite rundown when we purchased the lease." 

The pair who trialled the store with a stall at Wisbech Rock Festival said the public's reaction to the store's opening was "overwhelming". 

The first few months of trading saw a huge influx of customers flocking to the store in search of its unique collection of heavy metal merchandise. 

According to Mr Swan, the store began to stock an array of crystals and incense after an increase in demand for the products and aims to appeal to a wide audience. 

He said: "I think the eldest customer we've had in was 94, and they were into their crystals, so we do try to cater for most people. 

"Anyone that is into what we stand for is welcome, and we're known as a safe space for a lot of people, even if they just want to have a good old nose about."

The couple, who are due to get married on November 2, said they decided to revamp the store following rumours that it was set to close. 

Dark Realms shut for two weeks to allow for a full refurbishment, and since reopening this month, business has been "roaring". 

Mr Swan said he hopes to stock even more products, which will be available for purchase on the store's website, which is currently under construction. 

He added: "We're hoping to get the website up and running by Christmas so that people who live further away can see what we have available. 

"We also hope to continue our auctions, which are very popular with the community, as well as introduce additional products such as band patches.

“But we want to offer the community somewhere to come for a chat, and our future plans potentially include opening a goth style café."