SHOPPERS at a store in Consett had to look twice at the face of one visitor on the day it opened.

Retailer Matalan, on the Hermiston Retail Park in Consett, employed the services of David Beckham lookalike, Andy Harmer, for its opening. Store staff have chosen Consett YMCA as their dedicated charity, and members of its junior football team met the Beckham stand-in for a ball skills session.

Cheryl Hudson, store manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to form this partnership with the YMCA and to the opportunity to get involved in the local community.

"We are proud to be supporting such a worthwhile cause and can't wait to get down to some fun fundraising activities.

"We hope you will come and see what the new store has to offer and help us support this very worthy cause."

Billy Robson, Consett YMCA chief executive, said: "Matalan's support means a great deal to us, and we are very grateful to Cheryl and her team for all their hard work.

"Although Andy is not the real David Beckham, he has certainly been showing our lads a thing or two about football.

"I just hope they still remember his footie tips throughout the remaining games this season."