Debenhams, in the Wellington Square Shopping Centre, Stockton, has appointed TRACEY SAINSBURY as store manager. She joins from the Sunderland store, which she has managed since it opened five years ago.

The 44-year-old has spent all of her working life with Debenhams after joining the management training scheme aged 18.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge of running such an important retailer in the heart of Stockton. My predecessor has made the store a huge success and I aim to emulate this by working closely with my team at Debenhams and the other retailers in Wellington Square."

Originally from Sussex, Mrs Sainsbury lives in Eaglescliffe with her husband and two children.