A MAYOR has launched a new-look DIY store.

Councillor Jan Blakey, the Mayor of Durham, unveiled the revamped B&Q store, on Durham City Retail Park, in Dragonville, Durham, on Friday morning (July 31).

The store has been reduced in size to about 5,000sq metres, to make way for a new Morrisons supermarket.

Store manager Dave Brown welcomed the Mayor. There were also demonstrations, competitions and family fun.

Deputy Mayor Bill Moir and his consort Katie Corrigan took on B&Q staff in a DIY challenge.

Mr Brown said: “I couldn’t be more appreciative of the amount of effort my team has put in to getting the store looking its absolute best, ready for the big day.

“We’re extremely proud of the store’s new look and feel and can’t wait to welcome our customers.”

Cllr Blakey said: “It was a delight to be invited to officially launch my local B&Q’s new look on Friday.

"The store is certainly a fabulous asset to Durham and the city’s homemakers and garden lovers and seeing my deputies trying their best to challenge the B&Q experts Kay and Mark during the challenge was great fun."

The new Morrisons, covering 6,000sq metres, is expected to be open by the end of the year, creating 300 new jobs.