The return of HMV to Workington has been welcomed by music lovers, film fanatics and gaming aficionados across West Cumbria.

But the comeback of a store which originally closed two years ago is also exciting news for another group of people - vinyl collectors.

The shop previously stocked no vinyl at all, but the company's passion for it means the town's branch now has a wide range of records.

There are around 100 different sleeves on the shelves featuring artists such as Bob Marley, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

Buzz Elliott, rhythm and lead guitarist of Workington band Hammerhead, has collected 1,000 LPs across 40 years.

His band's latest album The Sin Eater has just been released on vinyl as well as CD.

He says: "I wanted to be on vinyl and I know the kind of fans we have wanted it too. There's something about it, it's the tone and warmth that just isn't there on a CD. 

"Most bands I listen to release a vinyl. It does cost £20 to £25, but there is a market for it. Even well known bands might release a vinyl and there are labels that specialise in it.

"That's how our generation got our music. There was no such thing as a download."

Popularity of vinyl has soared, with sales smashing the £1 million mark this year for the first time since 1996.

Modern artists such as Lana Del Rey, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith are releasing vinyl discs, which have gone on sale at the Workington branch. 

Buzz adds: "The packaging is bigger. The writing is much better than on a CD and they come with lyric sheets, postcards and information.

"I was disappointed when HMV closed and it's nice to think that they could be successful. They have come back at a good time."

Neil Little, a soul West Cumbria DJ, does vinyl-only sets and believes it can reach out to a new generation.

He says: "It's never ever died - it's always been alive. As long as I have been DJing I have been working with turntables.

"It's down to sound quality. I do think a record has a better playback and is more atmospheric.

"I was in Brighton two weeks ago and the number of vinyl shops there was phenomenal."

The chain recently held a HMV loves vinyl week and fans queued through the night to get hold of limited edition copies.

Every store in the country will now have a dedicated section and the Workington branch has reduced some prices to draw customers in.

Neil adds: "Vinyl is the king and it's great to hear that HMV have it. I hope people in Workington support it."