COMPUTER games store Chips is in the hunt for franchisees nationwide after a highly successful year at its first franchise outlet.

The store in Bishop Auckland was opened in May last year by Keith Scarr.

It sells new and second-hand consoles, games and accessories for all major platforms, including Sega, Sony and Nintendo.

Mr Scarr said: "I am delighted to be Chips first ever franchisee. I was always confident the Chips format would work well, but it has already exceeded my expectations."

Chips is owned by Teesside-based partners Don McCabe and Nik Agar, who set up their partnership at the beginning of the computer-boom in the 1980s.

The company currently has six stores of its own in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar, Darlington, Northallerton and Sunderland.

"The Bishop Auckland store has proved an ideal pilot for our franchise venture," said Mr Agar.

"We are delighted with its success and have learned a number of valuable lessons in the first year."

Mr Scarr is currently at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, which runs until October 1.

lFranchising offers ambitious people the chance to run their own business, but with specialist training, advice and support from those who have already made a success of the idea.