AN empty store in the heart of Huddersfield has been brought back into use.

The former Barker's Sports shop at the corner of King Street and Queen Street - opposite the entrance to Kingsgate - is reopening as the Sony Centre to sell items ranging from wide screen TVs and computers to digital cameras and audio equipment.

The business is run by husband and wife Manjit and Hardeep Singh, who are main agents for Sony.

Manjit is pictured with Jane Cranston-Young, Barclay's Bank corporate manager for West Yorkshire.

The store - with two floors of sales space and a third floor for offices - will employ about 15 staff.

The shop, which opens tomorrow, is being billed as the leading Sony outlet in northern England.

And it is has been fitted out to the latest specifications - making it more up-to-date that Sony's flagship store at London's Tottenham Court Road.

Mr Singh has run the Furniture and Bed Centre at St John's Road for 14 years.

He said: "This is a completely new venture for us. It is a much bigger business.

"We were looking for a site in Huddersfield and these premises were for sale. The position is right and we believe we can be very successful here."

The former Barker's sports shop was renovated by Sheffield-based builder Henry Boot as part of work to revitalise the King Street yards and shop unit opposite Kingsgate.

Finance for Mr Singh's venture has come from Barclays.

Ms Cranston-Young said: "We are delighted to be working with Manjit and Hardeep and look forward to helping in their success."