BILLINGHAM newsagent Martin Ward is opening a new chapter after celebrating the reopening of his new shop.

The Cowpen Lane Convenience Store in Cowpen Lane, Billingham has been expanded.

The opening was done by 81-year-old Ann Hickman, who was born where the shop stands. She retuned to her former home to mark the occasion. “It brought back lots of memories for me,’’ he said. “This was my family home back in the day.’’

The shop had a temporary outlet while the comprehensive building works were carried out and Mr Ward, recently honoured as member of the year at the National Federation of Retail Newsagents awards, said: “It’s been great to get the shop open. It’s been a big job, but the initial reaction has been very positive from customers.

“It was great to see so many of our customers and friends here and we hope all the hard work is going to be worth it in the coming weeks and months.’’