TWO bowler-hatted funnymen, who are keeping the Laurel and Hardy legend alive, added a comic touch to a building society's expansion programme.

Legendary comedian Stan Laurel's years in Bishop Auckland were centred on the Eden Theatre, which his father ran from 1889. Now, the Darlington Building Society has opened a branch on the site of the Waverley Hotel, next door, which was a favourite haunt of theatre staff and visiting artists.

In celebration, Laurel and Hardy lookalikes, Peter Jones and Chris Shepperdon, performed the opening ceremony on Saturday, along with Stan Patterson, who is Grand Sheikh of the duo's Bishop Auckland supporters club, the Hog Wild Tent.

The branch at Waverley House replaces a smaller office further along Newgate Street.

Chief executive Peter Rowley said: "This is a further example of improving our branch-based service to the community.

"In contrast to other financial institutions, we continue to expand and improve our network, because that is what our members want.