FASHION chain Monsoon is strengthening its presence in the North-East with several store openings.

An outlet will be opening today in Darlington, in Northgate.

The group is also about to open a flagship store in Newcastle city centre tomorrow.

The company, which also owns Accessorize, opened a larger site at the beginning of the week in the Green Mall in the Gateshead MetroCentre.

Monsoon sells womenswear, childrens' clothing and bridalwear, as well as a range of jewellery, hats, scarves and bags.

Monsoon, which also has stores in Durham, York and Harrogate, began as a small boutique in London's Knightsbridge in 1973.

Company chairman Peter Simon said of the MetroCentre site: "Our new store perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of Monsoon.

"It is important that the brands constantly evolve and this new store design demonstrates how we are moving the brands forward without losing its true appeal."