IT was once a factory producing curtains.

Now it's home to over 150 stalls and a cafe, all under one refurbished roof, in Christchurch.

The new Emporium of Christchurch was unveiled at a special celebration by the deputy mayor, Cllr Trish Jamieson, as around 600 business owners and stall holders gathered for the occasion.

Carole Whitford, of the Emporium, said: "We would like thank the Deputy Mayor Trish Jamieson and local MP Christopher Chope for coming along to open the Emporium on our special day.

"The Poole Town crier David Squire and Christchurch sea cadets helped to towards making the celebration a great success.

"We would also like to thank everyone who attended and all the local businesses who donated raffle prizes to help raise for Macmillan. We raised the total of £301."