DIY chain B&Q has created 200 jobs with the opening of a superstore at a new retail park on the edge of Durham City.

Durham City Retail Park at Dragonville has already attracted a host of tenants.

The B&Q store will have a VIP opening today when the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Mary Hawgood will join general manager Darren Noble, northern divisional director Diarmuid Walsh, and Nancy McIntyre and Joe Laidler, of Dragonville Developments, to perform the ceremony.

The store has created much-needed jobs in the area as well as bringing new and improved shopping facilities to the former rundown industrial area.

The Durham City Retail Park is the brainchild of the late city businessman Ian McIntyre and Sunderland developer Mr Laidler.

Eight years ago, with industrial land in their ownership, the pair had a dream of carrying out a major development at Dragonville, in Durham.

The once-derelict industrial site has been transformed into an easily accessible retail park, which will see stores including PC World, Argos, Storeys, KFC, Pizza Hut opening.

But it is B&Q which is considered the anchor to the development.

Mr Walsh said: "We hope that all our customers in Durham are pleased with their new B&Q and I congratulate the team here on their fantastic job in the build-up to the opening.''

Mr Noble said: "I would like to thank all the staff for all their hard work and commitment preparing the new store for the grand opening. Our team has put in 100 per cent effort to create a fantastic store for all customers to enjoy.

"We are looking forward to welcoming our customers in Durham.''