TWO travel agents have established a business in a former east Durham pit village.

Nicola Evans, of Horden, in east Durham, and Karen Walton, of Sunderland, have more than 30 years experience in the industry between them.

Having secured premises in Easington Colliery, they have transformed the one-time Northern Rock bank into the Seaside Travel shop, named after the street where it stands.

Seaside Travel is the only agent of its kind in the community.

The partners said they were delighted to bring a service to people's doorsteps.

Nicola said: "We had so many people calling in before we even opened for business, to tell us they were pleased we had decided to move into the colliery.

"Many people don't have cars so they were really inconvenienced by the fact that they couldn't obtain services near to home.''

The pair have refurbished the premises and, during their first week of trading, they announced that Teesside Airport was offering free car parking to customers who booked a holiday flying from Teesside.

The opening ceremony for the business was performed by the chairman of Easington District Council, Councillor Bill Gustard.

He said: "I'm always pleased to welcome new investment into the area and I hope this will be just one of a number of new ventures opening in the district.''

Nicola said that within hours of opening they had had a steady stream of customers booking holidays.

She said: "We are determined to offer a personal friendly service to the people of this close-knit community."