A JEWELLERS that survived a runaway cow and a severe fire has closed down.

Ice Designs, on Galgate, in Barnard Castle, shut this week after almost eight years.

In June last year, a Charolais heifer caused mayhem in the town when it escaped from Barnard Castle Auction Mart.

It went into the jewellers, smashing into a display before being chased out by Andrew Dabell, the shop's owner.

The cow was eventually caught with the help of several locals and a police helicopter.

It followed a fire in July 2001 that gutted the interior of the shop.

Mr Dabell said: "There isn't anywhere for people to park and tourism in the town has been getting worse and worse."

He said he has not decided whether he will move his business elsewhere.

A notice has been put up outside the shop with a telephone number for anyone who needs to pick up any uncollected repairs.