A NEW shop is hoping to regenerate a town centre and boost trade in the area.

The Sweet Boutique, in Bishop Auckland, is launching today and was inspired after its owners Val Elcoat and Karen Walton met volunteering at Kynren Eleven Arches.

The pair were motivated by the show’s impact on Bishop Auckland’s economy and wanted to get involved.

They decided to set up the shop after trading at markets and fairs across the region since last October.

Miss Elcoat said: “We want to help the economy in the town and get more people coming into the area because we love Bishop and that’s why we’ve chosen to set up here.

“We’re looking at local companies to supply our products as business in the area have to work together.”