OPTICIANS invited shoppers to raise a glass to their new store.

Specsavers opened in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, last week and the firm decided to mark the occasion with a fun day on Saturday.

Dino, an 8ft inflatable dinosaur, helped staff hand out lollipops to children as well as giving leaflets with information on services at the store. There was free face painting for youngsters and for the adults there was cake and bucks fizz.

Philip Hall, joint store director, said: "We only opened on Tuesday but have already received a lot of support from the local community.

"The fun day was to say thank you and also introduce ourselves to the people of Chester- le-Street.''