A NORTH-EAST town is attracting new entrepreneurs after support from a loan provider.

Business owners have launched shops on Cheapside, in Spennymoor, County Durham, with backing from Gateshead-based Transmit Start-Ups.

A tearoom and estate agent have moved into the area, causing some locals to call it Enterprise Street.

The tearoom, known as The Cake House, is run by former Durham County Council worker Tracy Parnaby, who started making cakes as a hobby.

After being made redundant, Ms Parnaby, from Newton Aycliffe, launched her dream with a loan from Transmit, which funded refrigeration units and cookers.

She said: “From the minute I stepped through the door of the shop I could see exactly how I wanted it to look.

“The help I received from my business adviser, Brenda Wilson, has been invaluable.”

Kan Move has also been set up by first-time businesswoman, Denise Banner, from Bishop Auckland.

Ms Banner has more than 20 years' experience as an estate agent, value and mortgage adviser with national estate agencies.

Ian Straker, Transmit director, added: “I've never known a relatively small town attract so many first-time retail entrepreneurs.

“Spennymoor has definitely got an Enterprise Street, and these businesses have hit the ground running.”