Towie star Fearne McCann visits Shrewsbury to officially open spa and bar

Fearne, from The Only Way is Essex, tackled the cobbled streets of the county town in high stiletto heels for the the launch of St Nicholas spa and bar in Castle Street last night.

The 23-year-old, who is getting ready to film the upcoming season of Towie in Marbella, welcomed guests to the luxury retreat, which husband and wife team Ben and Stephanie Smith have set up in the former church.

Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Ben and his wife hope the spa will become a popular town centre attraction.

Fearne seemed taken with Shrewsbury, having visited Shropshire as a child, and even brought her mum along for the visit.

She said: "Shrewsbury is a good three hours from Essex but it is definitely worth coming here, I think I came here on a school trip when I was about 13.

"The town is beautiful, as is this building.

"I love helping out small businesses and places like this have so much character.

"I'm a really big fan of Shrewsbury already, I've been to lots of different spas and this is up there for sure."

Fearne's visit follows her co star and old school friend's trip to the county, after Lucy Mecklenburgh held her second boot camp at Condover Hall two weeks ago.

Mr and Mrs Smith also run beauty retreat Tootsies in Dogpole.

The couple, who have two children, are hoping to make an impact on the Shrewsbury night life scene.

Their business has recently come under fire from residents however, following an application to serve alcohol until 1am.

A decision will be taken at a Shropshire Council meeting later this week, but there are concerns for late-night noise from customers leaving the establishment.