A Darlington wool shop has come under new ownership after one of its employees acquired the store.

New owner Hannah Hazledine, 29, began working at Pretty Knits Wool Shop on West Auckland Road in Darlington in July last year and was left enamoured with the shop.

She had initially applied for a part-time job at the business after being on maternity leave, and built up a rapport with the owner.

She added she jumped at the chance to buy the shop when the owner decided to sell.

The Northern Echo: Hannah HazledineHannah Hazledine (Image: Hannah Hazledine)

Ms Hazledine said she was delighted to take over the high street business and added customers have been “fantastic.”

She said: “It’s been a really fantastic opportunity, it’s a lovely little high street, the customers are fantastic.

“It is a bit of a weird mix, it is a wool shop that also does laundry. The original owner owns a laundry business and added in the wool side to give something to the high street.

“It’s a weird mix but it really does work.

“Just come in and have a look, come and chat to me, I’m always in, always happy for a chat.

“It’s really nice to actually get to know people in the area, whether they’re interested in knitting and crocheting, or they’ve never knitted before and are really interested.”

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She added she will be getting married next month and crocheted her wedding dress with materials she bought from the store upon starting.

Ms Hazledine added the shop provides laundry services such as washing, drying and ironing, while also acting as a haberdashery selling buttons, knitting needles, and crochet hooks.

She added she will be looking to sell knitted and crocheted garments in future.