A NEW chapter for a long-established family timber business was cause for a double celebration on Saturday.

The opening of larger premises for Coxhoe Timber Services, in County Durham, provided an opportunity for a family gathering. Four generations of owners Roland and Kathryn Cubello's families attended the opening, which marked the 25th anniversary of the company under its present name.

It also fell on the 105th birthday of Mrs Cubello's grandmother, Isabella Brown, who was guest of honour and was asked to cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the shop in Church Street, Coxhoe.

Mr Cubello said: "It was almost an afterthought but, with the events all clashing, it seemed the only thing we could do was to ask Isabella to perform the opening.

"She is as sharp as a tack and really enjoyed the occasion, and it was nice so many other family members could be present."

Following the opening, they all went back to the Cubello's home nearby for a meal.

The roots of the business date from the post-First World War years, when Mr Cubello's grandfather, George Roland Smith, opened a hardware and picture-framing business in Coxhoe.

Mr Cubello's father, Pasquale, was an Italian prisoner of war at Coxhoe Hall during the Second World War.

He met Mr Smith's daughter, Mary, while a PoW and returned from Italy two years after he was repatriated to marry her and settle in the village.

The original business was absorbed into Coxhoe Timber Services when it was set up in late-1979.

Although still based at its original Church Street site, the business has expanded into the former Co-op store next door.