A NEW beauty salon will be given the VIP treatment at its formal opening this weekend.

The Guinot salon, in High Row, Darlington, is to be opened by the Mayor, Councillor Paul Baldwin tomorrow (Saturday, March 23) morning.

The salon now occupies the former Priceless Shoes store, which has been empty since February 2009.

It is the latest business to receive support from the High Street Innovation Fund, which is provided by the government.

The aim of the funding is to improve the appearance of vacant town centre properties, and to offer financial incentives to businesses to occupy the empty premises.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: "I’m delighted that through the High Street Innovation Fund we’ve been able to help Guinot occupy this prominent town centre unit, which has been vacant for some time.

“The visual improvement to High Row is there for all to see, and I wish them every success in Darlington.”

For more details on the High Street Innovation Fund, contact Richard Baker on 01325-388665 or by email to richard.baker@darlington.gov.uk