AS a child, pottering around the family garden centre was a way of life for Caroline Crowther.

Now the psychology graduate is putting the knowledge she gained then to good use by re-opening Beech Tree Nurseries on Adelaide Bank, near Shildon.

It has taken the 24-year-old a year to reclaim the centre's four-acre site which has been closed since 1998.

At one time a planning wrangle threatened the family home, which was built on the same plot, when Sedgefield Borough Council ruled that it breached national regulations.

But Ms Crowther is confident that, with the row resolved, she can make a new start at Beech Tree, cashing in on extra visitors expected to Shildon when Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, opens later this year.

She helped her parents when they ran it for seven years until 1992, picking up tips which she can now pass on to her own customers.

The nurseries welcomed their first customers over the Easter weekend and Ms Crowther works hard to offer competitive prices.

Next season's Christmas trees are already planted and local companies are being lined up to offer a wide range of goods such as ornaments, flowers, sheds, conservatories and paving.

She said: "The place was for sale for a while but I am delighted it was not sold.

"All my childhood memories are here and I couldn't be happier to be working here for myself.

"The place was a mess but I have worked hard to get it open. I am growing as much as I can myself and hoping that it keeps going well."