A NEW gift shop with a difference has opened in Bolton town centre.

St Andrew’s Court-based ‘Seasonal Words’ stocks a range of handmade greeting cards and paintings – by local artist Kathryn Nuttall – jewellery, soft toys, framed wall art, bags and ceramics.

There are also a selection of products that would appeal to the faith-based, inspirational and Afro-Caribbean market.

The owner, Elayne Ogbeta, felt that there were a lack of gift and greeting card shops selling products that appealed to the Afro Caribbean communities and one of the aims for Seasonal Words was to fill that gap.

Kathryn and Elayne, who have known each other for about 25 years, both studied at Bolton Institute, now Bolton University, and graduated in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

Elayne studied BA creative writing with art and design history and Kathryn studied visual arts with art and design history.

After leaving university, Elayne continued her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University completing a masters in Creative Writing for children then went on to complete a PGCE in Adult Literacy also at Bolton University.

Kathryn continued to work in various jobs.

Both Kathryn and Elayne had always dreamt of one day having their own gift shop in the hope of combining their talents of art and writing, and in the process allowing other talented artist/designers/ceramics a chance to display their creative flair which is evident in the shop.

This year they came together and made their dream become a reality.

As a writer, Elayne has put her skills in writing a number of the verses for the Seasonal Words range.

Elayne said she was very excited about the new business – and working alongside her friend. She said: “Kathryn has not only painted interesting selections of landscapes – inspired by the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales – but has made/designed all the beautiful jewellery and other hand-made Christmas gifts which gives the shop its special and unique touch. There’s nothing quite like it on the high street.”

The shop is located in a boutique-style unit in the town centre in St Andrew’s Court, Mawdsley Street, situated across from the shopping centre Crompton Place.