A RENOWNED herbal store is getting used of life in the fast lane after featuring in a number of TV shows.

Fitzpatrick's, based in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, was selected to appear on three separate shows for its unique character and charm. The BBC, Sky Digital and Channel 4 have all recently featured the country's last temperance bar.

The shop was part of the temperance movement which swept through Victorian Britain as a counter to the drink-fuelled lawlessness of the times. And to this day the store still makes its own dandelion and burdock, sarsaparilla and black beer and raisin.

The current custodians of Fitzpatrick's are Christopher Law, 42, and his wife Julie, 38, who took over the business around two years ago from John and Suzanne Spencer. A major part of the deal was the secret recipes, passed down through the generations to create the unique flavours that have made Fitzpatrick's more of an institution than a shop.

Julie recently appeared on Channel 4's The Edwardian Country House with extrovert presenter, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingsall. She said: "They were interested in the fact that we still use all the same ingredients and methods for the drinks which the Fitzpatricks brought over from Ireland 200 years ago.

Julie has also taken part in Sky Digital's Flavours of Britain and Chris has just finished filming for a new food and drink programme to be screened on BBC Choice later in the year. "All the attention we get helps bring in crowds from all over the country," said Julie.

"A couple of weeks ago a couple came from Liverpool because the children didn't believe their father used to drink blood tonic. They were astounded when he actually bought some.

"We really enjoy taking part in TV programmes, especially the Edwardian House show. The presenter was a lot of fun and very intelligent."

So secret are the recipes that the ingredients for sarsaparilla are bought from five different suppliers.

Julie knows that at least one large company has had their products analysed in a failed attempt to replicate the Fitzpatrick flavour.

Julie used to work as a medical administrator in the National Health Service and has been interested in alternative medicine for 20 years.

"When the children were small, I did not want to fill them with pills and potions and started looking at natural alternatives," she said.

"I am a great believer in the theory that there is a natural cure somewhere out there for any illness.

Generations of Rawtenstall people have used the temperance bar as a meeting place and the tradition has continued.