A NATIONAL pub chain has opened its latest premises in the North-East.

The Five Quarter, in Peterlee, takes its name from a coal seam at the nearby former Easington Colliery.

Scenes from the heyday of the coal industry in east Durham are featured, as well as several photographs recording the development of Peterlee new town over the past 50 years.

The Five Quarter has been created by the JD Wetherspoon chain following a £1.2m conversion of the former Asda supermarket in the Castle Dene shopping centre.

In line with other Wetherspoon premises The Five Quarter is music-free, with a third of the customer area designated as non-smoking.

The premises in Hailsham Place are also wheelchair-friendly.

The pub features a range of five cask-conditioned beers, including products from micro-breweries across the UK.

Managers Paul McNicholas and Claire Daly are returning to their home town after working for the chain in Scarborough and Bradford.

"Local people seem to be impressed with the transformation of the old supermarket and we believe The Five Quarter will be a good addition to the town's social scene," said Ms Daly.

Children will be admitted from opening time until 5pm, providing they are with an adult and having a meal.