LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe

A couple are documenting their plans to open a new second-hand bookshop in Morecambe with a popular daily video diary.

Tori Smith and Paul Wakeling have been putting out daily vlogs with their thoughts and updates ahead of opening The Borrowed Book, which have been gaining a large following on social media.

This week Tori and Paul announced the shop will open at 19 Pedder Street in the town centre - revealing the news on Day 20 of the vlog.

Previous videos have shown them visiting independent bookshops around the UK to gain inspiration for the new shop. 

Their pet chihuahua Elvis Wilson and Arlo, a Cocker Spaniel, have also become stars of the video diaries.

LISTEN to Tori and Paul talking about The Borrowed Book

Paul, Tori, Arlo and Elvis Wilson outside the shop

Tori, a former primary school teacher, grew up in Morecambe and went to Morecambe High School. 

She said she'd always had a passion for books and reading, and wanted to be a children's illustrator when she was little.

"I used to spend my summer holidays as a kid riding my bike to and from Hest Bank Library," she said.

"As an ex-primary school teacher I'm very passionate about young people reading and getting an actual physical book in their hand."

Tori and Paul said their aim is to create a cosy shop where people can come in, talk about books, and be part of a community.

"We're running a second hand bookshop but the books are as new, good condition, and we want people to feel like they are coming into a nice space, a different experience," said Tori.

"We're also looking to do a lot of events as well. We're really keen to get students over to Morecambe from Lancaster.

"We've had a lot of interest from local authors, people wanting to come and do readings of their own books, local artists who want to sell their art in our shop. We have lots of ideas. We're hoping that people will come and use the space.

"We feel like Morecambe is on the up."

Paul, an educational consultant and teacher, said: "We're hoping to create little communities, book clubs, interest groups around different types of literature.

"I think there's a chance for a cultural quarter around here.

"We think the more shops like this in this area, the more of a draw it's going to be."

The couple also said their regular social media video updates have helped create a buzz about the shop.

"People already know who we are, where we are, what we're going to be doing and how we're going to be doing it," said Tori.

"It's got us known in the area, and it's a really good way for people to see what's going on behind the scenes.

"I'll walk through the Arndale Centre with Elvis and everybody knows him!" 

Paul said: "It shows that we're regular people, trying to do something in Pedder Street in Morecambe, just off the seafront, to try to make it better for everyone."

Day 24 of The Borrowed Book video diaries features Beyond Radio!

The shop, in the former Bitz n Batz vintage clothes store, is currently being refurbished ahead of the planned opening later this year.

Tori said: "We've got a lot to do, but we've had loads of people from the community offering to help us.

"My two daughters (Emma and Annie) have been roped in and my dad (Bill) is building us a counter.

"Local businesses have been amazing, they've been so supportive.

"We'll get it done with everybody's support. It's exciting!"

You can follow their journey towards opening the shop at The Borrowed Book social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok).