A former port warehouseman of more than 30 years has said he is "delighted" as he prepares to open a pop-up antique shop inside a Felixstowe shipping container. 

Wayne Bennett, 61, will be opening 'Past & Presents' on April 1 at Beach Street - the only seafront boxpark in the UK. 

A collector, author and local history expert, Wayne was a warehouseman at the Port of Felixstowe for 32 years before becoming a caretaker at Grange Community Primary School.

East Anglian Daily Times: Wayne has written a book on the Felixstowe Suffragettes. Credit: ACC Art BooksWayne has written a book on the Felixstowe Suffragettes. Credit: ACC Art Books (Image: ACC Art Books)

On Friday, he will be taking early retirement and focussing on his new business.

"I've always been an antique collector and I just wondered what might happen if I started to sell them," said Wayne. 

"So I'll be running this pop-up initially for a month and if it goes well we'll see what happens."

The Felixstowe resident believes he is the only antiques and collectable dealer in the UK selling from an upcycled shipping container.

He said: "I have seen a few containers in my time but I never thought I’d end up working inside one.

East Anglian Daily Times: Inside Past and Presents. Credit: Wayne BennettInside Past and Presents. Credit: Wayne Bennett (Image: Wayne Bennett)

"I’d love to invite Bargain Hunt to come and visit – although it might be a squeeze.

"Opening an antiques business when I retire has been a dream for years, so I am delighted it’s actually happening.

"I am hoping day trippers to Felixstowe will take in a few collectables alongside their fish and chips!"

The business will specialise in memorabilia, such as a football signed by 1966 World Cup winner Martin Peters, and smaller collectables such as ceramics.

East Anglian Daily Times: Wayne said the shop has been a dream of his for years. Credit: Wayne BennettWayne said the shop has been a dream of his for years. Credit: Wayne Bennett (Image: Wayne Bennett)

Kate Cain, the manager of Felixstowe BID which supports the town’s businesses, said: "Felixstowe is really becoming known as a destination for antiques.

"We have seen over 10 new businesses open in recent months and even have plans to launch the town’s first brocante later in the year.

"Beach Street is growing into a fantastic beachside village for food, drink, shopping and entertainment possibilities and we are delighted to see Wayne join its traders.”