ONLOOKERS in Westhoughton could be forgiven for thinking they had travelled back in time to the swinging sixties — when the mods and rockers rode into town.

More than 150 scooter riders descended on Wood Street for the opening of the Retro Mod and Rock Lounge — a new mod-themed cafe.

Mother-of-five Connie Ellison, who opened the cafe at the weekend, said: "It was absolutely fantastic.

"I really like the sixties and I love the sixties music too.

"My husband's the same, we're scooter mad. The Who, The Jam — all that type of thing.

"It was something I decided I wanted to do. I thought why not? I will give it a go.

"I didn't realise there were so many people around Westhoughton that are into Northern Soul, The Who and The Jam.

"It was just the fact I wanted to do a mod and rock cafe where people can get together, put some records on, listen to some sixties music, have a cup of tea and chill out."

The cafe is Mrs Ellison's latest venture, following on from her Retro Hair Salon, which opened in November 2013 with a 1950s American diner theme offering pamper parties.

She wants to drum up more business in Westhoughton and the cafe opening welcomed scooter enthusiasts from afar as Scotland.

Mrs Ellison, who is married to Kelvin, said: "On Saturday and Sunday, we were really busy.

"I'd really just like to say thank you for all the support from Westhoughton and all the scooter clubs that made the day.

"There were all different scooter clubs from all around the area."

The cafe serves light snacks and refreshments and there are also plans to hold barbecues in the summer.