DEREK Whittaker left Darwen seven years ago after tiring of his job in Blackburn with Darwen Council’s finance department.

He moved to Ireland where he launched his new business, Spinners Tackle Shop.

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And now, he has moved back to his hometown so he can be a lot closer to his family.

Mr Whittaker has now opened Darwen Angling Centre in one of the new retail units at the former George pub on the corner of Foundry Street and Bolton Road.

Mr Whittaker has had his new business open for a week now.

He said: “I have had quite a few people in and they are all saying good things.

“There is one other fishing tackle shop in Darwen but there is definitely a market there for us.”

Darwen Angling Centre is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the week.