THE first shop, swap and style studio in the UK has opened to coincide with Earth Day.

Budding entrepreneur Lucy Norris has unveiled her unique boutique on Minshull Street in Knutsford.

The 37-year-old mum, from Byley, launched Secondhand Styling UK to encourage more people to shop, swap and appreciate secondhand clothes.

Lucy said: “I’m passionate about being sustainable and making conscious choices when it comes to fashion.

“The studio allows me to work with customers, educating on the benefits of swapping and shopping second hand, demonstrating that you can refresh your wardrobe and be contemporary and stylish without spending thousands and constantly buying new.

“Opening on Earth Day felt natural as it’s an annual date highlighting the impact of our activities on the planet and the importance of becoming more sustainable in our food, fashion choices and plastic consumption.”

More than 50 savvy customers joined Lucy at the launch of her new venture.

“This is a dream come true for me,” she said.

“My mum, Alison, brought me up on her own and made pre-loved items look fantastic which is where I inherited my passion for secondhand.

“It’s all about putting fun back into fashion.”

After failing to win investment on TV’s Dragon’s Den, Knutsford mum and fashion buyer Kayley Gibbons offered Lucy a studio above her children’s boutique, Mini & Moi.

Customers can take items to swap or simply browse through a carefully curated second hand collection.

There is a fee of £25 to swap three items, including dresses, tops and jackets. Appointments with Lucy are encouraged, but customers can pop in on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more details and to book a consultation visit secondhandstyling.co.uk