C'EST chic and unique - the owner of a new vintage clothing store in Worcester hopes her kitsch clothes will give high street stores a run for their money.

After years of collecting vintage clothes and accessories, Clare Bridge decided it was time to share them with the rest of Worcester and opened Secondhand Rose in the Hopmarket.

The 23-year-old, of Shirley Road, Droitwich, said she has always loved the colours and individuality of old clothes. "It comes naturally, I wear it all myself, so I guess I know what constitutes as fashionable and vintage.

"I'm just not selling clothes that make you look like a walking timewarp."

Miss Bridge started with a market stall every Saturday.

"I had the stall for just over two months. Then the shop came up and I thought I've got to take it.

"The Hopmarket is such a great place and all the shops here have real individuality.

"I've had quite a good response, but I would love more people to come in"

Miss Bridge picks up most of her clothing gems at jumble sales and charity shops across the county.

"I can't walk past a charity shop without going in," she admitted. "I import a few items, like vintage American t-shirts, but they are still very much one-off.

"I have got some 1950s pieces but its mostly from the 70s and 80s. It's a good mix."

Vintage Rose also stocks jewellery and accessories, as well as kitsch bits like vases, ice buckets and ashtrays.

Miss Bridge encourages people who would not normally opt for the "edgiest" outfits to visit the store and browse the stock.

She said many shoppers buy smaller accessories like shoes, bags or scarves that add something special to their outfits.

The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5.30pm.