AN arcade which helps new and fledgling businesses set up is celebrating its first year in business.

The Enterprise Arcade, in 140-year-old buildings on the High Street in Stockton, was restored last year to allow small businesses to sell high-quality - and sometimes unusual - items.

Karen Watson of Quakes for Shakes, an ice-cream café based at the Arcade, said: “The Enterprise Arcade is a great place for new businesses to test trade in a busy town centre environment and find their feet alongside like-minded people.

“I have had a fantastic first year of trading thanks to the one-to-one business support I’ve received and the fantastic welcome I’ve received from the heart-warming people of Stockton.

"I’d really encourage anyone who has a business idea to explore the option of trying it out in the Enterprise Arcade.”

Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Councillor Bob Cook, added: “The Enterprise Arcade has had an excellent first year in its new location at the heart of Stockton Town Centre.

"Located opposite the new water feature and seating area, it is a fitting location for new businesses to test trade their retail ideas.

The Enterprise Arcade opening hours are Monday-Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm and includes ladies' clothes and shoes, mobile phones, handmade homeware, a bookshop, knitwear and a shop that sells realistic baby and animal dolls.