MEET the mum who swapped pens and pencils for pre-loved fashion in support of a charity cause close to her heart.

Sharon Dunne, step-mum to Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves, is set to launch a vintage store as part of her family's mission to create a lasting legacy that the four-piece band and their manager would be proud of.

She recently left teaching to dedicate her undivided attention to the cause.

Vintage Viola is set to open its doors on December 1, selling pre-loved designer clothing, vintage high-street outfits and affordable fashion.

Viola Beach bought most of their clothes from charity shops. This fuelled Sharon's desire to set up Vintage Viola.

The 47-year-old said: "It is a brave leap but it's the first step in a bigger plan.

"Money from the shop will support the River Reeves Foundation mental health projects.

"It will also help fund free music lessons for youngsters who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them."

River along with frontman Kris Leonard, 19, bassist Tom Lowe, 27, drummer Jack Dakin, 19, and their manager Craig Tarry, 32, died in a car crash in Sweden while travelling home from their first international gig on February 13, 2016.

In the days, weeks and months that followed, River's family channelled their grief into setting up a foundation that would help talented individuals who harboured big dreams.

From launching Riv Fest to setting up Riv's Riders, over the past two and a half years the family have raised vital funds to provide financial support that ensures passionate, talented young men and women can dare to dream about their futures within the arts.

The store will also include a space for art students to showcase their work as well as a library area for shoppers to relax and enjoy a drink while their friends shop.

Based above Changing Lives in the Cockhedge Centre, the store is just the first step in creating a performing arts hub in the heart of the town centre.

She said: "My idea is to have somewhere like Affleck's Palace in Manchester.

"The dream is to have a building where there is a performing area and community space as well as a clothing store and somewhere they can grab a coffee and have a chat.

"It's about bringing it all under one roof – a one-stop shop.

"It would be primarily for the younger cohort in Warrington – 16 to 25 year olds.

"It would be a fitting tribute to Viola Beach to have somewhere like this in the town centre."

The shop will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm.

A volunteer drop-in session will be held on Saturday from 10am to 12pm for those wishing to get involved with the new venture.

For more information search for Vintage_Viola on Facebook.