A FAMILY that saved a Lake District tourist information centre from closure have been so successful they have launched a fashion shop.

Rob and Julia Treeby, who took over the Hawkshead tourist information centre when the Lake District National Park Authority threatened to close it in 2006, have opened a ladies' fashion shop in Kendal.

The shop, Ooh La La, in Highgate, which stocks bags, jewellery, dresses, shoes and accessories - some from their own designer label K70 - has been opened to expand on the success of the information centre.

“When the national park authority got rid of the TIC we were not happy about it so we took it on,” said Rob Treeby. “We decided to widen the shop side of the TIC to make it more commercially viable. We introduced more fashion items, that my wife was interested in, and that took off and we thought we could introduce our range into a town.”

Mr Treeby has big plans for Ooh La La, which is being managed by his daughter Jenna, 26, despite the recession, saying he intends opening other stores in Lancaster and possibly Carlisle.

“Everyone thinks I’m mad,” he said. “But I think we have got a good product. I think Kendal does have good footfall if you give people the right things at the right price.”