A FURNITURE company is opening a new flagship store in the region.

Durham Pine's superstore at Team Valley Retail Park, in Gateshead, will open on Saturday, creating eight new jobs.

The store continues the company's national expansion programme that aims to increase the number from 60 stores to 100 by 2004.

It will bring the number of Tyne Tees shops to 11, with another branch in Berwick due to open next month.

Colin Thompson will move from the MetroCentre store to take over as the Team Valley store manager. He said: "This is a very exciting stage in the continuing growth of Durham Pine. Having been with the company for a number of years, I have witnessed this growth first-hand. The latest store opening on such a prestigious retail park is not only a great opportunity for me and Durham Pine, but also for our customers."

Durham Pine was founded by chairman John Marshall, whose first job was as a shepherd. He set up the first store selling second hand furniture in 1984, soon introducing new furniture, and opening the first Durham Pine in Durham City in 1986.

* Potential employees or franchisees can ring the Durham Pine recruitment hotline on 0191- 516 2606.