A FLEDGLING Darlington business has been able to grow thanks to local grants and support from Europe.

The UpperCrust Sandwich Shop, on The Green, Haughton, opened in November last year, but by January the one-person operation was in a position where it had to take on a second member of staff.

Now the shop is providing food for other businesses and shops in Darlington.

Sue Cuthbert bought the former site of Murray's the bakers, and managed to get started thanks to a £500 Sure Start grant, acquired with the help of the Darlington Business Venture.

The response to the shop opening was overwhelming and, within weeks, Mrs Cuthbert realised she did not have the finances to cover a full wage and training of a new recruit for the shop.

But Darlington Borough Council offered a Darlington Into Work grant, through the European Social Fund, which provided help to cover training costs for the new recruit.

In January, Sandra Garbutt, from Darlington, joined the company.

Mrs Cuthbert said: "I am so grateful for this financial help towards my business. It has allowed me to take my business forward and give Sandra a job.