A TOP designer clothing shop which nearly foundered months after opening because of two ram-raids is moving to larger premises.

Mario Bellusci, of Darwen, had run his business Bellusci Uomo on Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall, for ten weeks when he was ram-raided twice in a week.

In the second raid, the thieves stole all but ten garments and leather belts.

But determined Mario fought back and installed £7,500 worth of security systems including shutters and bollards and now has built up such a successful business, he is moving to a prime spot on nearby Bank Street.

And Mario says he owes a debt of gratitude to Burnley FC manager Stan Ternant's son Chris, whose clothing company provided him with Maschio Modo shirts to sell after the raiders took his stock.

Now Stan is to perform the opening ceremony at Mario's new shop on April 5 when invited guests can view the premises from noon to 7pm - and he is bringing with him some players.

Mario said: "This is a real success story considering I was left with nothing after the ram-raids."

He said he was opening the menswear department downstairs and in September would extend the range into ladieswear in a separate department upstairs.

Mario said: "At the moment there is just myself working here, but once I open the new shop I will be employing four staff."

Customers visit from the Lakes, London and all over East Lancashire, mostly making contact through his web page.