A NEW and 'unique' toiletry and bath shop has opened in Maryport - with the owner hoping to bring something new to West Cumbria.

Anna Lowery opened Soak and Fizz on Crosby Street in Maryport on October 31, and is selling a plethora of different soaps, bath bombs and various toiletries.

The 39-year-old decided to take the leap into starting her own business after moving to the area when her husband was promoted in his job - and deciding to try something new after many years of previously working as a nurse.

Speaking about why she decided to open the business, Anna said: "We thought about what is it that the area doesn't have? And obviously there is a Lush at Carlisle, but there isn't any on the west coast really.

"So we just basically saw this online wholesaler and saw a shop come up for rent... literally within six weeks we made the decision on what we were going to do and opened."

Since the shop has opened Anna says there has been a very positive response to the business, with the community coming together to support the new business, and the shop enjoying a very busy day when the lights were turned on in Maryport on Saturday.

She said: "It's been very positive. I think the thing with Maryport is because it is so community based - and I think all of the west coast is like that - people are coming in to say 'how are you doing?' and 'how are you?' People are coming in to buy, the shop is doing well.

"I do find that it is very community led, so I have got lots of Christmas bits out for kids, bath bombs and all sorts."

As well as bath bombs, Anna sells products to provide people with sensitive skin, lip balms, sugar scrubs and shower steamers - as well as soaps for babies and products of various different scents.

She said: "I just feel that there isn't anything around like this shop. You might get people selling soaps or sponges, but this is an actual toiletry shop.

"I have got a range of products in for everyone. I've tried to make a range of products for all people who like bath bombs and toiletries."

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