A Darlington company, which started with a £10,000 loan from a council-run initiative, is celebrating a successful first year.

The National Schoolwear Centre, in King Street, opened in January as a one-stop shop for children's school needs, providing uniforms, accessories, sportswear and guide, cub and scout clothing.

The franchise, run by Craig Vickers, already has an agreement to stock the uniforms for Hummersknott School and Language College and the three schools that make up the town's new Education Village.

Talks are ongoing with other schools in the borough to provide their uniforms.

The shop is able to meet requests for children with special clothing needs and has even supplied kit for a team going to the Glasgow Special Olympics.

The shop also stocks a range of educational toys and has supported the council's Town On The Move scheme and the Bike It charity by working with Reid Street, Heathfield and Hummersknott schools.

Mr Vickers set up the franchise shop with a loan from the council's Falchion Fund, which is a scheme dedicated to new and existing businesses in the borough.

The fund, a partnership between the council and HSBC bank with support from Darlington Business Venture and accountancy firm Clive Owen and Co, offers loans at a preferential interest rate.

Mr Vickers said: "I realised there was nowhere in Darlington where parents could go all year round to get school uniforms or sports kits in a modern surrounding.

"The council's loan helped me realise my ambition to leave my job and set up my own business. The shop has had a very good first year."

Councillor David Lyonette, the council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "The Falchion Fund is a great example of how the council can work with private sector investment to support business start-up and development within Darlington.

"I am glad this loan has helped Mr Vickers get into business in the town."

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