INDEPENDENT store owners have come together to form Yorkshire’s first pop-up club after lockdown.

Amie Bastow and Bethany Whaling came together to start the pop-up club to help support local businesses which had started during or before the pandemic broke out.

Amie, who gave up her job in automotive to open her vegan café, The superfood bowl, is using her premises to hold other businesses.

“Coming out of lockdown was difficult for everyone and small businesses are still struggling, so by setting this up, hopefully we can get people coming and networking and seeing what’s on offer in their local area.

“The event is free for all stall holders, they don’t have to pay, just get in contact.”

The pop-up club taking place on October 2, and everyone is invited.

Beth who formerly worked as a Primary school teacher and is now the owner of Vint Room Angels, a vintage clothes store said: “In lockdown, I didn’t think I would survive, but I did better than I ever expected.

“But now that shops have opened and I’m an online business, it’s becoming more difficult.

“People could only buy online and that’s why I was doing so well”

“I’m using this as a chance to network and meet new people.”

Amie and Beth are hoping for a good turnout, with 10-12 stalls in place and their family and friends lined up, they hope more people will come and support local independent businesses.

Lauren who runs a family business Pick and Tricks, which sells pick and mix style bundles for cats and dogs said: “My business started up in lockdown and now is the chance for smaller businesses to come together

“Now’s the time to give each other a boost and a helping hand, because we all need it just as much.”

The event will be taking place at Acorn Business Centre in Cleckheaton.