IT all started with a childhood obsession with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that he never ‘grew out of’.

Now Andy Cooper is a big part of what keeps Warrington’s geek culture and boardgaming community thriving.

The former Bridgewater High School student runs Netherworld and his success has recently seen the company expand to two stores.

Netherworld’s new shop, dedicated to pop culture collectibles, can be found at Warrington Market while the existing store, which is more of a hub for boardgamers, is at The Courtyard, off Horsemarket Street.

Andy, who grew up in Appleton, said: “I started off with a small store in the market six years ago and to be back is like coming full circle.

“We moved into bigger stalls at the old market three times until we had to move out due to space/ opening times but having the collectables side of the shop back in there feels perfect and it’s nice to see old faces and to see that people are doing so well.”

One of the reasons that Andy was enticed back to the market was a new ethos that has quickly developed.

Geek culture is openly celebrated at the likes of Cafe at the End of the Universe while the market hosts an annual Comic Con as well as other similar sci-fi/fantasy events.

Andy added: “The sense of community is great in the new market, everybody that works there is lovely and you feel that you are really part of something.

“It’s fantastic to see the likes of Cafe at the End of the Universe and Dark Side of the Spoon in the market and do so well. Incorporating pop culture into their food is a great aspect and a wonderful idea.

“I helped the market set up the first Comic Con when I was still in the market about four years ago and it was fantastic. The effort they put in to make it successful is great and keeping it a free event makes it all the more accessible to everybody.”

The new store stocks action figures, ornaments, comics and other movie, TV and video game memorabilia.

The bestsellers are the Funko Pop figures as well as horror themed collectibles.

So why does Andy think geek culture has now been embraced by the mainstream?

He said: “I think the success of the Marvel cinematic universe has created a massive impact on the way people see geek culture.

“A large majority of TV shows now are adaptations of comic books and I think the interests then move from a show or movie that people love into them wanting to know more about the characters and the world by picking up the books or getting something that shows off their love of it.

“I was totally obsessed with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when I was younger and wanted everything from it from action figures to clothing.

“I still own the action figures and clothes so I guess I haven’t really changed.

“I always loved action figures when I was younger and used to create my own movies using the characters that I had.

“You reach an age where you think: ‘I’ve got to be a grown up now and stop playing with toys’ but the imagination that you have as a child to create your own world with action figures or dolls or plushies is wonderful.

“Everything I watched growing up in the 80s had a massive impact on me, and having the privilege to go to Disney World in Florida when I was young made me believe that whatever you love, be it movies, clothes, make-up or whatever, just be who you are and enjoy your hobby.”

Meanwhile, Netherworld in The Courtyard will now focus on table top and trading cards games. It is also a hub for events for up to 36 people.

Andy, who works in a team of five across the two stores which includes his brother Antony, added: “We host daily events including Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Yugioh and Dungeons and Dragons.

“The store is open into the evening and the table space is available for people to use throughout the day to play whatever game they like. It’s incredible to see the passion they have for it.

“I work on the basis that if our customers are happy then I am.

“The community is what keeps Netherworld alive, without them we wouldn’t exist.

“The most important thing for me is having an environment where people feel safe and a sense of belonging. We’re all a big family and help each other out in all aspects of each other’s lives.”