A BUSINESSWOMAN is opening a tearoom to celebrate the culture of the dale where her family has lived for five generations.

On Tuesday, Diane Wright will open the cafe in Front Street, Stanhope, in a building that dates from 1670.

On the tearoom's walls are photographs and paintings of all Weardale's villages and hamlets.

"The idea is to turn back the pages of history here in the dale," said Mrs Wright.

"We will be serving up cream teas in the traditional way with china cups on linen tablecloths and even three-tier cake stands - the way they used to do it, in style.

"We hope that people will find it a haven for peaceful reflection."

The tearoom will employ seven people, including pensioner Freda Bulman, who recently retired from the Dales Centre, in Stanhope.

Ms Bulman is renowned as a cook with the Women's Institute and at agricultural shows.