A RENOWNED fish and chip shop which used to belong to former Burnley and England legend John Connelly has being transformed into a shrine to his playing days.

Heather and Michael Dawes, co-owners of Connelly's Plaice, in Colne Road, Brierfield, have re-decorated the shop with memorabilia associated with the former Clarets star after they bought the shop from him in May.

Among the items on display are shirts belonging to the winger plus pictures of the 1963 FA Cup Final team and the team which was Division One runners-up in season 1961/62.

The mother and son team, who are Burnley supporters, decided to dedicate the shop to John because they knew how fond he was of it.

Michael, 30, head chef at Ye Olde Sparrowhawk, Wheatley Lane, Fence, was talking to John in the restaurant when he told the former football star he had bought his former shop.

Heather, 57, who used to watch John when he played for Burnley, said: "John goes into the Ye Olde Sparrowhawk and he was talking to Michael, who mentioned we had bought the shop.

"He was really fond of the shop and has nostalgic memories of it.

"John was really pleased we kept the name and found out what we were doing."

After being refurbished, with its walls clad in Burnley pictures and shirts, the shop has now re-opened.

Heather, who used to run Coal Clough House between 1979 and 1985, said John, who is currently on holiday in France, agreed to visit the shop for its opening.

Heather said: "John had been there for 31 years and so said he would do some kind of opening.

"It is early days but we will be collecting more Burnley memorabilia."