A sign from a world-famous corner shop that never was is to be auctioned.
For just a few weeks the facia proudly proclaiming Arkwright's store decorated a Doncaster shop front – 30 years later it can still be seen regularly on TV.
The BBC took over a hairdresser's in the town and transformed the front of the shop to film the hit comedy series Open All Hours, starring Ronnie Barker.
Three weeks later it was back to being a hairdresser's and the sign spent the next 30 years in an attic.
Now the shop's owner, who was given the sign by the BBC when they finished filming, has dusted it off and plans to sell it.
Helen Ibbotson, 75, has recently retired from hairdressing and the shop, in Lister Avenue, Balby, is open only a couple of days a week, with the business run by her daughter, Lisa Taylor.
"There must be people who collect TV memorabilia and they would love the sign," she said.
'Nice holiday'
Helen, who ran her hairdresser's for 45 years, also has a script from the TV show and many photographs taken at the time, which will also be on offer, probably on the internet.
"I went on a nice holiday with the money the BBC paid me for taking over the shop," she said. "But now I'm retired I need to look after my assets."
The inspiration for Arkwright's shop was said to have come from Arthur Bickerton of Taffs Well, near Cardiff, who died last year aged 91.
A BBC props man discovered his hardware shop – which was literally open all hours – and told his producer, who then set about looking for a suitable double-fronted location in Yorkshire – and found Helen's boutique.
Ironically, her hairdresser's is now likely to be knocked down when a redevelopment plan for the area comes into force, though no date has been finalised.
Doncaster council has identified areas which are suitable for redevelopment in the long-term and Balby is among them.
A council spokesperson said local development plans were just principles and ideas for consultation, with no specific plans for the Lister Avenue area, and that any demolition or other development would only be considered after consulting residents.
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