RECORD store day is now every day for a man who turned his hobby into a dream by opening Darlington’s only independent vinyl shop.

Since opening Saxosoul Records just three weeks ago, music fan Darren Carr has welcomed hundreds of kindred spirits, with people of all ages flocking to rifle through his wares.

The Northern Echo: VINYL: Darren Carr has just opened Saxsoul Records in Darlington Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

VINYL: Darren Carr has just opened Saxsoul Records in Darlington Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

More than 15 years ago, Mr Carr began “wheeling and dealing” in records when another seller refused to hand over the vinyl he wanted, insisting instead that Mr Carr take a collection of 4,000 soul records off his hands.

The Darlington man went on to trade at record fairs throughout the country before deciding to take the plunge and open his own shop.

On Mondays, Thursdays and weekends, he can now be found sharing his musical knowledge with customers while propping up the counter of Saxosoul, an intimate spot in Kearton’s Yard, off Bondgate.

Earlier this year, vinyl sales were reported to have hit a 25-year high, with more than 3.2m records sold in 2016, a 53 per cent rise from the previous year.

While there are other outlets selling records in Darllington, Saxosoul Records is the only independent venture to focus solely on vinyl.

Mr Carr said the recent resurgence was helping to bring a broad range of customers through his doors, looking for the perfect record.

The 44-year-old said: “This is a passion for me and since I’ve been selling, vinyl has never been as big as it is now.

“It’s all about that clean sound and the artwork that you just don’t get with CDs or anything else.

“Vinyl’s never gone away but recently, it’s just exploded and it’s gone crazy, we’re getting kids younger than 14 coming in and they know their stuff, some of them know more than me.

“It’s great being here, every day is like record store day for me.”

While browsing, customer and musician Mattie Ramone said: “I know when I come in here, I’m talking to someone who knows about music, who knows about records. It’s been fantastic to find a little place like this, I could spend hours here.”