A FURNITURE store is to open a new showroom on Boxing Day as part of its expansion plans.

Oak Furniture Land is opening a 16,500 sq ft store at the Arnison Centre, in Durham, creating nine jobs.

The store, which features a mezzanine floor, is the 22nd to be opened by the retailer this year.

Paul McKenna, the company’s regional manager, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our first showroom in Durham.

“It’s our final opening for this year and we’re trialling something a bit different with the layout of the store to improve the customer experience.

“We’re excited that our Durham store is here at Arnison Retail Park which is a fantastic retail destination and we hope that our presence will help strengthen the retail park”.

The store will be open from 9am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday.