AN avid collector has turned his hobby into a new retro restaurant.

Mark Rigby has opened an American diner in High Street, Runcorn, creating 23 new jobs.

He spent a year searching all over the world for authentic paraphernalia and had lots of items shipped in to furnish Rockwells Diner.

He found an original coke machine in America and has turned two waltzers into tables.

Mark, aged 50, of Halton Lodge, Runcorn, said: “I just felt like doing something different. You feel like you’re stepping back in time as we play 50s music and serve American food.

“Trying to hunt down this stuff is not something you can rush. I’ve always been a bit of a collector.

“The customers love it. It’s something a lot of people have never seen before.”

Vintage 50s outfits are being designed for the staff.

Former Heath pupil, Mark, who owns a gym beside the diner and across the road, said: “I’ve only been to America once, in 1997 but it rubbed off on me.

“We serve all American food, everything is big. Our 16oz steak burger is really popular. We open for breakfast at 6am and serve an all day pancake menu.”

Models Coco Fierce, Hellkat and Echo Le Scream took a trip back in time to show off the latest trends from boutique Pouting in Peeptoes, from Hatters Row Lifestyle and Wedding Centre in Warrington, which sells vintage 40s and 50s inspired designs.

Hair and make-up was also created by the team at Pouting.