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Former miner Bob Brain served Nelson with his fruit and veg shop for more than 30 years before retiring earlier this year – and now his legacy is continuing with a new business at his former premises.

Resident Paul Rogers, who coaches the village’s Wallball youth team, has taken over the shop at Commercial Street with his new venture Green Streets.

Continuing Bob’s reputation for healthy, nutritious food, Paul explained: “With the rise in processed food, and the negative effects these have on health, along with the cost-of-living crisis, I’ve sought to bring the best produce back to Nelson, ensuring those who shop at Green Streets have incredibly fresh, in-season, produce – as well as specialising in exotic fruits.”

Since opening earlier this year, Paul has expanded the business and grown its customer base by offering a free delivery service and opening satellite groceries in Llanbradach Community Centre, Treharris Community Centre and others.

He said: “We are removing the barriers for people who can’t get to the shop. We’re at the heart of the community like Bob’s shop.”

Paul used to work alongside Bob when he was a boy doing local deliveries and it was an opportunity for him to strike out on his own after around a decade on the building sites.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to work here and it was really sad to see the shop closed when Bob retired.

“I just had to seize the opportunity. Spoke to Bob about it and he was really fair and gave me a chance.

“He comes down to the market with me and he’s introduced me down there. I’m his ‘apprentice’ as he calls me. He’s teaching me the trade.”