Retailer Marks and Spen-cer is planning to open more outlet stores following the success of its first in the region.

Since opening a year ago, the M&S outlet at Royal Quays, North Shields, has proved a huge hit with bargain hunters.

As the only one of its kind in the North-East, it has attracted customers from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bishop Auckland.

Michael Stanier, head of the outlets business unit, said: "North Shields has been doing fantastically well in its first year and we are now looking to add some additional Marks and Spencer outlet stores around the UK."

He said however, that it was too early to tell if another such outlet store would be opened in the North-East or North Yorkshire.

To celebrate its first birthday, the store is holding a party tomorrow.

As part of the celebrations, the store will offer special savings and promotions including 11 days of an additional ten per cent discount on all goods from tomorrow until September 29.