A JEWELLERY chain hit by two robberies this year has been recognised as a top North-East business.

Market Cross Jewellers based in Middlesbrough was given a borough award by the town’s mayor, Ray Mallon.

Founded by partners Roy Welsh and Fiona Turner, the first store opened in 1980 in Bakehouse Square, Guisborough - taking its name from the town’s nearby market cross and retaining the brand ever since.

Latest upgrades to the Middlesbrough town centre store include the creation of a £400,000 luxury watch room that houses shop-in-shops with Cartier, Breitling and Omega.

The business has been hit by two recent robberies, one at its Yarm store in November, and a second in January at the Linthorpe Road store in Middlesbrough when thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was stolen.

The business has grown steadily and now includes 18 shops employing 103 staff, 26 of whom are based in the Middlesbrough town centre store and seven in the Middlesbrough head office.

Mr Welsh continues to manage the overall business, supported by company manager, Dawn Welsh, and area manager, Stephen McHale.

Ms Welsh said: “Over the years we have learned to move with the times and the business is constantly evolving.

“There is a great team mentality and a feeling of family which I think the customers really appreciate, and that spirit was also reflected in the staff’s fantastic response to the recent robberies."

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “Roy, Fiona and Dawn have worked hard to attract prestige brands to their business, and their hard work and dedication have played an important role in helping Middlesbrough to survive and grow as a vibrant and diverse shopping destination.”