CHESTER-le-Street's new-look market place opened for business at the weekend, attracting hundreds of shoppers to the Saturday flea market.

The market place has undergone a £1.7m facelift and, since October, the market has been held behind the Queen's Head pub while work was carried out.

As well as new paving, new market stalls and a new office, there will be an arch - a yet-to-be-completed public art work - and space for community events.

Traditional markets will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the flea market on Saturdays.

Chester-le-Street District Council also hopes to attract new traders and hold events such as French markets, farmers' and organic markets.

Regional development body One NorthEast is behind the scheme to boost the town centre, and other funders include the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Countryside Agency and the Arts Council of England.

Chris Jukes, the council's executive member for regeneration and strategic planning, said: "The refurbishment works at the market place will greatly enhance the town centre."