FIVE enterprising women have joined forces to breathe new life into a disused mill in Slaithwaite.

The Emporium, based at Britannia Mills in Britannia Road, is a treasure trove for those looking for something special.

The five friends have teamed up to create a venue for ‘arts and crafts’ shopping.

The five – Stephanie Bertenshaw, Di Crean, Patsy Gardner, Pat Osborne and Amy Rose Tossell – have developed a one-stop shopping delight.

Stephanie, together with Gareth Cotter, runs her ‘happy art, happy home’ business Felt Mountain Studios specialising in handmade and uplifting art, stationery, homeware and bespoke furniture.

Di Crean is a textile artist who makes rugs, bags and unusual items from mainly recycled fabrics. She also collects and sells ‘pre-loved’ memorabilia.

Patsy offers a unique selection of designer, vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, jewellery, accessories, small furnishings and post war collectables while Pat Osborne is a mixed media artist who enjoys working with texture and colour.

She has a varied collection of unusual items on offer at The Emporium.

The team is completed by Amy Rose Tossell, a textiles artist and designer, producing felt jewellery and accessories, vintage style fashion and homeware. She also offers bespoke dress-making, alterations and repairs.

Amy works with Dominic Abbott, of Warped Designs, a designer-maker of innovative furniture.

The fabulous five first got together as a ‘collective’ at another venue near the canal in Slaithwaite.

But when those premises closed the group stayed together and moved to Britannia Mills, restoring the ground floor to its former glory.

Patsy said The Emporium would be at the heart of the local community, supporting local people and local businesses.

Local crafters are encouraged to contact The Emporium to arrange space to display and sell their crafts.

Workshops, group meetings and other events will be held in the future once the place is fully up and running.

The Emporium will be open Wednesdays to Sundays 10am-5pm until December 1 when it will open seven-days-a-week up until Christmas.