A DESIGNER clothes agency has opened a ‘brother shop’ dedicated solely to selling menswear.

Leah Hobson, who owns The Dress Agency, in Barnard Castle, has helped her friend, Fern Turner, to open The Trouser Agency, just yards from her womenswear establishment.

It operates on the same lines as The Dress Agency - selling designer clothes and accessories on behalf of others – but just for men.

Mrs Hobson said: "As far as we are aware it's the only shop of its kind in the UK.

“There are many dress agencies that have a men's area, as did mine, but we haven't found any that are dedicated to men only.

“Earlier this year, Burberry opened their first ever shop purely for men and we thought why not try it ourselves.

“So within a week of getting the keys and with the help of our handy husbands we did."

Mrs Turner said: “The response we are getting from the men has been fantastic.

“They are delighted to have their very own clothing shop. They leave their partners to browse in The Dress Agency and walk down to see what's in here for them."

Meanwhile, Mrs Hobson also has plans to open The Kid’s Wear Agency with another friend, in December, and a pop-up prom dress shop, next year.