THE empty shell of a Bishop Auckland store that once bustled with shoppers has been photographed by a former staff member.

Beales, which was the only department store in Bishop Auckland, closed its doors this month.

Clare Meadows, who worked in the building for 26 years, said: "It's very sad to see the store close down, it feels like the end of an era."

People in the town are now keen that a new occupant can be found for the landmark Newgate Street building, which used to be a Co-op.