THE founder of a Darlington men's clothing shop returned to the store for the first time in 20 years last night to launch a women's section.

Geoffrey Gillow, 85, opened the shop which still bears his name in Grange Road in 1967. Until now, it has only sold men's clothing.

But his son, Bill, who has run the shop since his father's retirement, has bowed to pressure from women going into the shop with their partners and asking why there was nothing for them.

Mr Gillow said of his father: "He has not had anything to do with the shop in 20 years, so I thought I would call him back in.

Before starting the business, Mr Gillow was captain of Darlington Cricket Club. He lives at Great Broughton, near Stokesley.

Bill Gillow is now renting the two floors above his shop, and the women's clothing will be on the first floor, with a possibility of expanding to the second floor.