A NEWSAGENT which has been in Bishop Auckland for more than half a century will be under new ownership from tomorrow.

K and T Baker Newsagent and Tobacconist, in Princes Street, has been run by the Baker family for 58 years.

The store was originally opened by Ken Baker and his son, Trevor, shortly after the end of the Second World War.

However, it will change hands this weekend with the departure of Trevor's son, Steven, and wife, Jean.

Mrs Baker is retiring and Mr Baker is starting a new business. He said today's final day would be tinged with sadness.

"There's a sad bit to it," said Mr Baker. "It will be sad for us and maybe sad for our customers - some of them have been with us for 50-odd years."

Mrs Baker, who has worked in the shop for about 30 years, said: "There's some lovely customers that you get to know as friends, rather than customers. They've all said lovely things and we'll miss them."

Despite a change in ownership, the newsagent will keep its name