A KEEN horsewoman has opened Darlington's only tack shop.

Leanne Littlefair opened The Tack Room in Clark's Yard, between High Row and Skinnergate, last week.

The 33-year-old, originally from Yarm, abandoned a career in catering to pursue her dream.

She spent ten years living away working in hotels, but wanted to come back to this area.

She said: "There weren't really any hotels around here that I wanted to work in, so I decided to go my own way.

"There used to be a saddle shop in Cockerton, but it closed. People in Darlington were having to travel to Yarm or Northallerton to buy stuff.

"I've been round all the country shows this year and I've had really positive feedback about the shop. People couldn't wait for it to open."

Ms Littlefair, who has owned horses all her life, said: "The shop sells just about everything you would need for your horse.

"I don't sell new saddles, just cheaper, second-hand ones, and I sell rugs, riding hats, leather bridles and bits."