STAFF who worked for years at a historic sports shop in Oxford are opening a new business in the Covered Market today.

Elmer Cotton, which opened in 1911 and claimed to be the UK’s oldest sports shop, closed in Turl Street in December and was expected to trade online only.

READ AGAIN: New sports store to open at Covered Market in Oxford

Dale Harris, 37, who worked at Elmer Cotton for 19 years, is opening sporting goods shop Blue Blood in the former Macsamillion shoe shop, with Ben Cook and Steliana Stefanova.

Mr Harris said: “We are looking forward to welcoming customers, family and friends.

“We will be open from 11am to 4pm on our first day and then our opening hours will be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.”