A BUSINESSWOMAN uncovered a slice of Leigh's history after discovering an historic sign beneath her own shop front.

Judy Matthews, 63, owner of the Book Inn, in Broadway West, Leigh, said people have been stopping by "in droves" to look at the old fishmonger's sign, dating back to the Thirties.

It was found by accident when Mrs Matthews spotted her own Book Inn sign was in danger of falling down.

She said: “Our daughter was going out the shop and noticed that our sign was hanging dangerously.

“We took that down and there was a sign from the Sixties. underneath. Underneath that was a sign from 1937 when it was a fish shop.

“It’s really amazing to find that there so well preserved.”

The sign, which was discovered last Wednesday, dates back to when Wet & Dry WG Partridge Fishmongers was based in the shop.

Below the name of the business, the sign advertises "home cured haddock."

Mrs Matthews is now considering keeping the sign on show, despite admitting it has left some customers confused.

She said: “It’s amazing, it’s in really good condition. People are saying how amazing it is to have a bit of preserved history in Leigh.

“People were coming by in droves and had their cameras out.”

Mrs Matthews said the building was still owned by a member of the Partridge family when she took on the lease for the book shop.

She is looking into the possibility of updating the fishmongers sign by painting books onto it, but it also considering taking it down to preserve if for decades to come.

She is keen for anyone with suggestions to get in touch by calling the book shop on 01702 716614.

The family run business, which also has its own coffee shop, was established in 1999.