A beloved County Durham toy shop will soon be under new ownership after its owner, whose family has been running it for over 90 years, decided to take a step back.

Connelly's Toy Shop on The Bank in Barnard Castle is for many a familiar sight in the town and has been run by the same family for three generations.

Pauline Connelly, 59, is the granddaughter of Jack and Renee Ascough who founded the toy shop and moved the store to No 9 The Bank back in 1934.

Pauline has been in and around the store since she was a youngster - even working behind the counter from the age of 16.

However, Pauline has now decided to call it a day because "the time is right".

She told The Northern Echo: "I've had a good journey - I did put it up for sale and didn't think it would sell so quickly.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £2 for 2 months for a limited time only here.

"It's been fantastic to have got all this support from the community - our family have been here since the 1800s.

"It's great everyone has come out and they've given me cards and little gifts too - they have been very kind."

It is understood that the unit will continue to be a toy shop and is set to re-open following a refurbishment in the near future.