A LAW firm helped a tropical fish enthusiast buy an aquatic store where he worked.

Stephen Douglas, from Chesterle- Street, started to help out at tropical and cold water fish specialists Fish Alive, on Durham’s Dragonville Retail Park, after being a customer for a number of years.

So, when the owners decided to retire Mr Douglas turned to Gordon Brown Associates, the law firm which had acted for him with his house purchase, to help buy the business with his wife, Christine.

During more than 30 years of business, Fish Alive has built up a reputation as the region’s premier tropical fish specialist.

Mr Douglas said: “I have kept fish for 35 years and travelled to Fish Alive from Chester-le-Street because of the quality of the fish, customer service and after sales, so when the opportunity arose to buy the business I took it.

“Gordon Brown Associates had done a good job with the purchase of my home and have helped this deal to go through quickly and smoothly, which has been great.”

Martin Donnelly, commercial property lawyer at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Stephen’s love of fish has created a strong attachment with Fish Alive, so much so that he has decided to take a leaf out of Eighties entrepreneur Victor Kiam’s book and buy the business.”