A PARKSTONE family is breathing new life into Ashley Road’s former Woolworths store.

The unit, which has remained empty since the Woolies collapse at the turn of the year, is to reopen as an independent discount retailer.

The Annauth family, who have taken on the lease, are promising quality branded goods, including the famous Pick ‘n’ Mix.

Former Woolies staff have been contacted, with a handful set to return, and the new business is expected to create up to 20 new jobs.

Working on the ethos ‘More for Less’, the shop will hope to repeat the spectacular success of Wellworths in Dorchester.

Anoushka Annauth, who will run the business with her brother Kreeshan and sister Neeshe Dinya, said: “We want to bring the high street feel back to the local community.

“There are all the big shopping centres but it is nice to go back to basics.

“With the current economic climate, we want to help people out as much as possible.”

The feel-good tale of Dorchester’s Wellworths has encouraged the Annauths, who are aiming for a “young and energetic” feel for their enterprise.

Hot on the heels of their launch in Parkstone, the family, who have lived in Parkstone for more than 20 years, say they would look to expand into other areas around Poole and Bournemouth.

The as yet to be named 4,000 sq ft store is due to throw open its doors on July 4.

Store manager Charlie Oldham said: “The store will be along the lines of Woolworths, with the emphasis on quality.

“There will be branded goods but at lower prices, which will be good for the community.

“It will be a local business and we aim to achieve a level of service that makes us stand out from the others.”