BREXIT, Batman and a boom in interest inspired a Darlington couple to open the town's only comic book shop.

Almost two years after flinging open the doors to Darlknight, June and Stephen Lock are celebrating the expansion of their latest business.

The pair, who have been married for 29 years, ran a gardening firm in France for more than a decade.

However, the decision to withdraw Britain from the European Union led to Mr and Mrs Lock giving up their business and returning to the UK.

They landed back in the country with the desire to make a living from their long-standing interest in comic books.

Describing themselves as "first and foremost, collectors and enthusiasts", the couple capitalised on their hobby by establishing The Darl Knight.

Named in homage to the 2008 Batman film The Dark Knight, the business began humbly, with a stall at Darlington's Victorian covered market.

Proving popular with passersby and comic book addicts alike, it soon became obvious that the company could flourish further and benefit from expansion.

They moved shop, setting up home at 39a Bondgate, where it nestles alongside a number of other independent businesses.

Mr Lock said: "We researched where to open our business and when we we realised that there were no comic book shops in Darlington, we thought there should be one - especially considering the size of the town.

"When business began growing, we knew we needed to move to a shop and we welcome everyone here, from those who have always been collecting to those who are just buying their first comic."

Mr Lock said there had been a resurgence of interest in comic books following the success of films based upon the worlds, superheroes and villains created by the likes of Marvel and DC.

He said: "We've seen comics become a lot more popular with all the films coming out - it has really helped with our business. Even children who have been watching the cartoons want to come in and get the comics.

"We also get a lot of the older generation of comic book fans bringing their own six or seven-year-old children in to buy their first comic books, which is great because it really encourages them to read."

As well as being well-stocked with a vast variety of comic books, they also sell collectables including huge French film posters, figures, trading cards and clothing.

The Darl Knight also aims to play a part in the community and supports causes including St Teresa's Hospice.