A BARBER has set up shop in one of the North-East’s most celebrated markets – and is the first to do so in its 150 year history.

Since it opened in 1864, Darlington’s Covered Market has been home to dozens of local businesses, but it has never seen a men’s barbers.

Owner Alex Gordon, who also runs a barbers in Washington, in Tyne and Wear, said he looked at a number of North-East town to set up his new shop before settling on the Covered Market, which celebrates its 150th birthday next year.

He said: “I chose Darlington because it has a busy town centre and you can’t get busier than the Covered Market and High Row.

“The Covered Market is one of the best markets in the region and it is great to be part of it. I have looked at other towns in the North-East and none of them have the same feeling as Darlington or its market.

“People say the town is not what it used to be, but I think it’s a bustling town centre with a brilliant market that we need to look after and support.”

Barber, Shanie Waite, said: “Everyone in Darlington knows and loves the Covered Market and it is great to be part of the first ever barbers to open here.”

Streets A Head men’s barbers is in the Covered Market opposite Binns and is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.