A MOTHER and daughter duo are opening the doors to their new shop today after taking their lockdown upcycling hobby to the next level.

Fennell’s is the latest addition to Cockerton Green, in Darlington and is due to open its doors today.

The pair behind the project are Lesley and Libby Fennell, who decided to start the venture after having some success with their lockdown upcycling hobby.

Libby, who is 16, has just left Longfield Academy and has a passion for vintage clothing, which she will be selling from the shop alongside her mum’s upcycled furniture.

Mrs Fennel, who previously ran a cake shop in the town, said: “It’s really exciting. It’s been full on but we’re just about there now.

“When lockdown came last year I was looking for something to do and Libby was off school and home learning.

“I’ve always been creative so I went and got an old cabinet from a charity shop to do it up for the house and I loved it. It’s kind of grown from there.

“I’ve been making them and selling a few. I just love it. It’s developed into people wanting to come and see my work. We were looking for a workshop and the shop idea came about.

“My youngest daughter has just left school and it’s been her dream for a long time so we decided to go for it.

“She only left school a few weeks ago so it’s a big step. She’s been thrown in at the deep end but she’s very passionate about what she does.”

She added: “It’s come from passion and excitement. It’s brilliant. We can’t wait to open.”

Libby has been stocking the shop with retro and vintage clothing, and is specialising in items from the 80s and 90s, along with some American imports.

As well as upcycled furniture, they will also be selling a selection of gifts.

Mrs Fennell added: “We feel like the shop is a natural progression.

“Covid has proved that we don’t know what’s coming and we should live for the day – so that’s what we’ve done.

“We’re saving things from going into landfill as well. That’s a lot of what I do, taking stuff that people wouldn’t give house room to and turning it into something.

“Hopefully it’s doing the right thing for the environment.”

The shop, at 30 Cockerton Green, is being opened by Mayor of Darlington Cyndi Hughes at 10am today.