CHAMPAGNE corks popped in Bishop Auckland today as a revamped high street chemist was unveiled to shoppers.

Boots The Chemist on Newgate Street underwent an extensive refurbishment to incorporate an Opticians facility on the premises.

The store stayed open throughout the refit, which took around four weeks, and construction workers erected a false wall to work behind to minimise disruption to shoppers.

Regional manager Phil Edwards and Bishop Auckland Town Centre Forum’s marketing group chairwoman Sue Snowdon officially opened the store, with Opticians practice manager Sally Harrison.

Store manager Alison Brooks-Shea thanked shop staff and construction workers for working round the clock to complete the work, and said she has already received positive feedback from customers in the store.

"It has been challenging, but it is brilliant that we have managed to do the work without closing the store or compromising any of our services," she said.

"It is great that we can offer customers all their healthcare needs under one roof without losing anything from the store itself."

Meanwhile, plans are under way for the store’s 100th anniversary on Newgate Street in 2012.