A SEAMSTRESS has finalised a deal to save the shop where she used to work.

Running a business seemed a distant prospect for Florence Williams, but help from Easington Action Team for Jobs and local business support service Bizfizz turned it into reality.

Ms Williams, 35, was a former employee at Stitches, in Horden, County Durham, and was dismayed to hear that the curtain and clothing alterations shop was to close.

She approached Bizfizz for advice and guidance, which resulted in her saving the business, which she re-named Sew-It-All.

She said: "I know how important the shop is to the customers, so I didn't want to see it closed."

Funding and further support for the venture came from sources including Easington Action Team for Jobs, Broker North East and the JobCentre Plus agency.