A NEW Darlington store created to showcase local businesses and services received a star-studded opening ceremony.

Shoppers packed out pop up store Treasure in the Cornmill Centre and were wowed by a performance from Darlington drag queen Cherry Valentine.

Erin Harper, 27, and Amber Kotrri, 28, are behind the new shop after benefiting from a successful start since setting up at Teesside Airport earlier this year.

"With this store we want to really capture local services and events," Erin said of the pair's ambitions.

"I feel like Darlington is being invested in a lot lately and we want the vibrancy to come back for all different age groups and to bring people together again."

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo: Amber, left, and ErinAmber, left, and Erin

The 27-year-old, from Hurworth, has owned her own business for six years and said she is enjoying the freedom to try new ideas and projects with like-minded individuals.

She added: "I always like to put a spin on things and Amber is the same we like to create things that are different for our customers."

It is at Treasure where Erin and Amber are keen to welcome and help showcase new businesses and services to a wider audience.

"Our store is a concept store full of independent business but it's also a pop-up local business event store as well," Erin added.

The Northern Echo: Opening of new store Treasure in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington. Stan Seaton and Jane Miller. Picture: CHRIS BOOTHOpening of new store Treasure in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington. Stan Seaton and Jane Miller. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

The Northern Echo: Opening of new store Treasure in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington. Lauren and Mike Colman. Picture: CHRIS BOOTHOpening of new store Treasure in the Cornmill Centre, Darlington. Lauren and Mike Colman. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

"The idea is you can pop down on a Saturday morning with your family and see what's going on.

Treasure is open 9am-5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday. For more information visit: https://m.facebook.com/TreasureDarlo/

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