THE family behind the Bells Stores convenience chain has bought a designer clothing store.

Stephen Bell, chief executive of Bells Stores, and his brother, Peter, have taken over The House, in Yarm, Teesside, which is owned by lifestyle group Steel River, also in Yarm.

Steel River is selling its designer retail stores to concentrate on its chain of shoe stores, its Harley-Davidson franchise and housebuilding and property divisions, in an attempt to become a globally recognised brand.

Stephen Bell said: "We heard that it was up for sale and we just went for it. Peter will be involved in the day-to-day running of the business, as he is no longer a franchise-holder in Bells Stores."

The Bells chain of 54 convenience stores across the region, which employs more than 1,000 staff, was bought by Sainsbury's in a £20m-plus deal earlier this year.

Peter sold his Bells franchise in Middlesbrough to Sainsbury's following the deal.

He said last night: "The House is a fantastic store and we are confident, with our retail background and skills, we can make it a store to be proud of.

"Steven and I always liked The House, and when we heard it was for sale we made up our minds to buy it."

The House, formerly Dukes of Yarm, is a favourite with footballers and local celebrities after being turned into a contemporary lifestyle store in 1996 when Steel River bought it.

It has a caf and sells ladieswear, menswear and home items.

Steel River owns a range of business interests, including designer shoe shops &eve, housebuilder Clarion Homes, Just Harleys, and the Three Tuns restaurant, in Osmotherley, North Yorkshire.

Steel River announced earlier this year it was selling The House and its other clothing stores Leopard, in Harrogate, and Brills, in Leeds.

The stores sell Armani, Prada and Paul Smith clothing, among other designer brands.