TWO cricketers from the North-East have swapped stumps for a shop.

Former Durham County cricketers Darren Blenkiron and Gary Pratt have reopened the refurbished Peter Lorimer Sports shop, in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland.

The store, which was managed by Mr Blenkiron’s parents, Margaret and Billy, for more than 30 years, underwent an intensive five-day refurbishment prior to its reopening.

Mr Blenkiron, from Bishop Auckland, who now plays for a Harrogate team, said: “The shop has been in my family all my life, and I have always been involved.”