GOOFING about on the internet has sent sales at an independent music store soaring and transformed its staff into YouTube stars.

David Cooper and Chris Hammond of Banbury-based One Man Band run their own online TV channel Tyros Tipsters, demonstrating how to get the best out of Yamaha digital keyboards.

And thanks to their off-beat approach, the pair have also scooped a prestigious national award for ‘out of the box thinking’.

While many small music shops are struggling, One Man Band has found a niche selling high-end Yamaha Tyros keyboards at £3,500 each.

Store manager and musician Mr Hammond said: “In our industry, a lot of people have a good moan about the internet taking sales away but it gives you a window for the whole world.

“We’ve gone from a radius of 25 miles around the shop, to selling all over the UK.”

He and owner David Cooper personally deliver keyboards anywhere in the country and set them up for the new owner.

Mr Hammond added: “We have been up to Dumfries and Galloway, down to Devon and across to Kings Lynn, Surrey and Kent.

“It’s an old-fashioned style service which is part of the charm.”

The YouTube channel youtube.com/user/tyrostipsters which also includes competitions and concerts, is particularly popular with over-65s.

Mr Hammond said: “Our customers are mostly retired, so we aim for middle-of-the-road style entertainment.”

The business, which won a British Independent Retailer Association unique achievement award, has three stores.