Half a century ago, there were record shops in every town.

And fifty years ago today, they were a-buzz with the sound of the Beatles, as the world's biggest band released one of the best-selling albums in history.

Five decades later, the owner of one of Norfolk's last surviving record shops is joining in the celebrations of 50 years of the Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Lawrence Welham opened Lewks in Wales Court, Downham Market, six years after it was released.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Overton of Off Beat Lounge with a rare copy of Sgt Pepper at Norwich. Picture: Andy DarnellMark Overton of Off Beat Lounge with a rare copy of Sgt Pepper at Norwich. Picture: Andy Darnell (Image: Archant � 2010)

'I can remember leaving work and buying it, looking at the sleeve and being absolutely amazed,' said Mr Welham, 68. 'There'd never been anything like it. It was just ground-breaking, the whole concept was in a different league.' A special re-mixed anniversary pressing of Sgt Pepper's, with tracks including Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds and A Day in the Life goes on sale today (Friday, May 26).

Eastern Daily Press: It is the 50 the anniversary of the Beatles album Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band. Pictured is Lewks manager Laurence Welham. Picture: Ian BurtIt is the 50 the anniversary of the Beatles album Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band. Pictured is Lewks manager Laurence Welham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The Beatles, pictured in 1967 around the time of the Sgt Pepper album: Ringo Starr,John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Picture: ArchantThe Beatles, pictured in 1967 around the time of the Sgt Pepper album: Ringo Starr,John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: It is the 50 the anniversary of the Beatles album Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band. Pictured is Lewks manager Laurence Welham. Picture: Ian BurtIt is the 50 the anniversary of the Beatles album Sgt Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band. Pictured is Lewks manager Laurence Welham. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)