The owner of a record store in Leigh believes that the release of two bands’ new albums will help the local music scene to flourish.

Sandra Bennett, part-owner of Fives in Broadway, is expecting the new releases from Southend’s Nothing But Thieves and the Horrors to be big successes in the national market.

She also feels that the releases will give extra impetus to south Essex artists trying to break into the industry.

Sandra said: “I think it is a good thing that local talent is doing so well. There is a lot of talent in Essex, we try to get them to come and play. It is nice that they are becoming big stars as it can take so long. These bands have done it properly, it is not easy like the X Factor makes it seem.”

The Horrors started their journey in Five Records a decade ago.

The five-piece celebrated the release of their debut single with a special performance at the store in 2007.

Nothing But Thieves also returned home recently for a special show at Village Green Festival.

However, some in the community have feared that these young bands will forget their roots. Yet Sandra is confident the high profile of both bands will only benefit the local music scene.