ONE of Bishop Auckland's oldest and most prominent stores reopened on Thursday after a refurbishment.

Woolworths, in Newgate Street, has been in the town for several decades, but closed for a fortnight while the revamp was carried out.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening, and balloons and gifts were handed out to shoppers.

Store manager Stephen Christie said: "The opening was a great success. The work that has been done is a new concept for Woolworths and it gives the customer a wider choice. A lot of people have been in the store."