THE Feethams development is a step closer to completion after another restaurant was opened by local legend Pete the Sweep.

The Woollen Mill pub opened its doors at 11am this morning after former street cleaner, Peter Woodmansey, cut the ribbon.

The 80-year-old worked for Darlington Borough Council for 35 years before deciding to voluntarily sweep the streets for another 16.

Mr Woodmansey said he was excited to open the town’s newest family pub and restaurant.

“I was very happy when I was asked to open The Woollen Mill,” he said. “It’s very nice and I’m looking forward to a steak lunch.

“I enjoy keeping the town tidy and I talk to lots of different people as I work. I always have a brush with me.”

The new restaurant, which is part of the Hungry Horse chain, can seat up to 150 people inside and an additional 100 people outside in a south-facing beer garden.

The family-friendly venue includes family booths with built in TV screens to keep youngsters entertained and an over-18s enclosed bar with a giant projector TV for sports fans.

Paul Harrison, general manager, said: “I am absolutely buzzing today. It’s been a long time coming and we are so pleased to be at the heart of Darlington and part of the town’s future.

“The opening of The Woollen Mill is a massive achievement and the whole complex is something to be proud of.”

A team of sixty staff will run the business, which is open from 7am until 11pm Monday to Friday and 9am till 11pm Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Harrison, who has worked in the catering industry for 20 years, added: “I’m like a kid at Christmas, I’ve been here nearly everyday since December and to see it all come together is just brilliant.

“I think the massive TV is just fantastic, we really have something for everyone here. I'm looking forward to the summer, it's going to be great.”

The pub name was chosen by Andrew Davis, who also turned out to see the grand opening.

He said: “I knew a lot of people used to work at the Pease's Mill and I thought it would be fitting as it relates to the history of the area. The building looks great and I’m really looking forward to testing out the menu.”