Marks and is investing in the future of Bishop Auckland by giving its Newgate Street store a £120,000 facelift.

The work starting on Monday will enable the store to offer a wider food range and wines, better fitting rooms and collect-by-car parking.

Work will mostly be carried out through the night and should be completed early next month October.

Lynne Crawford, store manager, said: "This investment really highlights our commitment to Bishop Auckland."

Richard Austin, the company's North-East area manager, said: "Our customers have been the driving force behind these changes."