THE failure of a pair of giant scissors to cut the ceremonial ribbon failed to dampen the atmosphere at the opening of a new discount store on Friday.

A big queued formed for the opening of Bargain Buys in Newton Aycliffe on Friday morning.

The Northern Echo:

Cllr Mary Dalton, Mayor of Great Aycliffe

The opening was carried out by Cllr Mary Dalton, Mayor of Great Aycliffe, amid a Hollywood style fanfare and a countdown from the TV show of the same name.

However, as the announcer reached zero and Cllr Dalton's big moment came, the giant scissors proved not sharp enough to cut the huge red ribbon at the store's entrance.

A store employee immediately leaped into action, producing a pair of regular scissors that were up to the job.

The crowd cheered and broke into spontaneous applause before being welcomed in.

The Northern Echo:

The new store is located in the former Poundworld, which was opened by Cllr Dalton with great fanfare and huge queues in 2015.

It was one of all Poundworld stores to close by August this summer following the company going into administration.

The Northern Echo:

The 5,000sq ft store had previously been Poundstretcher and is the twelfth Poundworld store to be taken over by Bargain Buys.

Property director, Gerry Loughran, said: “We are pleased to be opening a brand new store to the people of Newton Aycliffe with loads of fantastic branded products, all at bargain prices, and look forward to opening another 50 stores over the coming months, creating over 1,000 jobs.

“The team is working hard to deliver an outstanding shopping experience, great service, and an enjoyable shopping environment for all our new customers."

Other great stores openings in Newton Aycliffe over the years include actor Patrick Mower throwing open the doors of Fine Fare in 1979 and Red Rum opening William Hill bookmakers in the town centre.