WARRINGTON music fan who grew up listening to The Jam and The Smiths has opened the town’s only record shop.

Penketh-born Les Whitfield is fighting back against the online shopping trend with new store Head, the UK’s largest independent music and DVD retailer.

The father-of-one has taken up residence at the old HMV unit in the Golden Square after the entertainment chain collapsed in January.

Les has created nine jobs and works with his brothers, Geoff and Chris.

“I think Warrington needs it,” said the former White Hart DJ.

“People are realising that internet shopping isn’t everything and are coming back to these kind of shops to browse and get the physical touch and feel.

“That’s why we’ve got around 3,000 vinyls, 12,000 CDs and 12,000 DVDs. I think there’s a bit of a renaissance.

“I’ve got a couple of friends who have given up on Spotify and are coming back to vinyl because they want the experience of their youth.”

Les worked his way up from a sales assistant at Virgin in Warrington when he was 21 to the managing director of Alto in London seven years later.

The former Sir Thomas Boteler pupil then set up the first Head store in Leamington Spa in 2007 and Warrington is the sixth branch.

Les, who met wife Jayne at The Postern Gate, added: “It’s great to be back. I understand the town and my family live here.

“It’s weird though. I was in the Barley Mow last night – where I used to go when I was 18!”

Les, who used to buy Clash and Smiths records from Dawsons and Rumbelows in Warrington, also wants the store to be a hub for music fans with free gigs every four to six weeks.

He said: “We will also have DJs in store when things have settled down and a couple of the staff are in bands.

“We’ve all got a passion for music here.”

Les has also pledged to support Warrington musicians and authors by stocking their CDs and books.

For more information pop into the store or email warrington@ehead.co.uk