THE high street is the place to be according to a pair of plumbers who have opened their first showroom.

Wayne Marley and Mark Gillcrest opened Simply Bathrooms in Bishop Auckland town centre last week - bucking the trend for out of town retail parks.

Councillor David Fleming, the mayor of Bishop Auckland and a former plumber himself, attended the launch party at the Finkle Street store on Saturday (May 17) and welcomed the fresh investment into the town.

"It is marvellous for the economy of the town," said Cllr Fleming. "I wish them both all the success for the future."

Mr Marley and Mr Gillcrest opened the showroom to give their customers an opportunity to choose from a range of high quality bathroom products, which can be fully fitted by the experienced pair.

Mr Marley, 53, said he was proud that Simply Bathrooms was located in the heart of his hometown.

“I think the town centre has a long future ahead of it,” he said. “There are some fantastic shops here and they attract people from other areas.

“We have had a lot of people through the doors already.”