A Darlington shop owner is keeping up with the latest innovation in menswear by selling climate-sensitive coats.

The jackets, which are imported from continental Europe, store excessive heat - either from the wearer or the weather - to keep the wearer cool.

But when the weather turns chilly, the jacket, which is on sale at Geoffrey Gillow, in Darlington, releases the stored heat.

The thermal regulation is done by "smart" textiles made in Germany, and is based on "phase change" technology and materials developed by US space agency NASA.

William Gillow, proprietor of the Geoffrey Gillow store in Grange Road, said: "I am always keen to offer my customers the most up-to-date products I can.