There were smiles of relief all round as those with a passion for pasties welcomed the re-opening of Peter's The Bakers chain of shops.

Production at the thriving company, which has a total of 71 outlets was brought to an abrupt halt when fire ravaged their Durham based Cathedral Bakery.

Determined to be back in business as quickly as possible the company took over the vacant former Hibernia Food Factory in Peterlee.

And with production back on line all of the company's string of shops were back serving their tasty products.

In Durham the firm's Saddler Street shop saw a constant stream of customers all delighted to see the return of their favourite savouries and sweetmeats.

None more so than five and a half month pregnant, Lindsay Deswert from Chester-le-Street who while expecting her baby has developed a craving for Peter's pasties.

"It's been dreadful while its been closed,'' said Lindsay who was among the first over the doorstep to secure her fix of a corned beef pastry.

Pauline Meason from Gilesgate and Susan Rickaby from Stanley said if anything the absence of the shop had made the pasties and sausage rolls even tastier.

Nicola Fox of Sherburn Road and Becky Bell from Shotton Colliery admitted to being regular shoppers at the branch.

"We love pasties and sausage rolls and we're glad they're back open,'' said the girls.

But singing the loudest praise were Barry and Denise Patchcott from Sherburn Hill who after sampling the newly delivered savouries declared them "Excellent, just as good as ever.''

They added: " There's not a thing in this shop that we don't like and we couldn't wait for it to re-open.''

And though they ate their pasties with relish Barry revealed it was Peter's steak sandwich which was his favourite while top of Denise's list was the cheese and ham slice.

Retail Sales and Marketing Facilitator with the company, Clare Wear, was among the welcoming staff at the shop and said: "The public response has been overwhelming.''