A FAMILY butcher has opened a new store in Durham as part of its expansion plan.

Dicksons Pork Butchers, from South Shields, has opened its latest venture in North Road.

Managing director Chris Hayman, whose father started the business in 1953, said: “In the course of our 63 year history, new retail units have been concentrated in our traditional heartland north of the region. However, our plan to move into locations further south was facilitated by the positive reception we received when we opened in Peterlee in autumn 2015.

“We look forward to introducing the people of Durham to our wide range of own recipe products which include bread buns, pies and other savouries, fresh and cooked sausages, cooked meats and coleslaws, ready meals and a range of butchery items.”

The move has created 14 new jobs and is part of the family company’s strategy to move into 40 regional locations by 2019.

Cllr Edward Bell, who opened the shop, said “I am delighted that Dicksons have opened a new shop in Durham City. It is always good to hear that a local business is doing well, taking on new employees and supporting the local economy; I wish them all the best of luck for the future”.