A CHARITY has officially opened a second shop in Ferryhill.

The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust has opened a boutique on Parker Terrace to work alongside its existing shop in Spennymoor.

Founder Mark Solan hopes the expansion will enable those who cannot travel to Spennymoor for the charity's services to reach out for help.

Mr Solan– who was named ITV Tyne Tees Fundraiser of the Year in 2017– set up the North-East charity after taking part in a white-collar boxing event in 2015, raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his mother and grandmother.

He wanted to help improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer in County Durham and the charity provides support to families in any way it can.

Ferryhill Town Mayor Cllr Dave Farry attended the opening along with County Cllr Peter Atkinson and pupils from Broom Cottages Primary School. Five-year-old Lucy Robinson cut the ribbon.

Mr Solan said: "I wasn't expecting this turn out today, it's fantastic to have so much support from the community.

"We have already had a massive impact in Ferryhill and look forward to extending our help to as many families as possible."