IT has been a year since Amazon opened its second warehouse in the North East - with millions of parcels sent to homes across the UK in that time.
The online retailer, which recently opened a further warehouse in Gateshead, opened its second 'Fulfilment Centre' in Bowburn, near Durham in November last year.
Since then, more than 1,000 permanent jobs have been created - with a further 1,000 seasonal roles, while the warehouse has become a well-known icon from the A1.
Read more: First look inside Amazon's newest warehouse at Bowburn in Durham
Amazon bosses have revealed how they marked their first anniversary at Bowburn's MME2 warehouse as they described how the first year had been.
Radek Stegbauer, General Manager at Amazon Durham, said: “We’ve had a great first year in Durham so we wanted to do something special to say thank you to the team.
"It’s been brilliant to be able to bring everyone together safely to celebrate this milestone.”
Read more: Amazon respond after Unite the Union holds demonstration in Gateshead
The warehouse, which is on the Integra 61 Industrial Estate, marked the anniversay with a visit from the site's falcon mascot, games, and a cupcake giveaway.
Margarida Palma from Amazon Durham said the teams were "very proud" of what they had achieved since last November.
She said: “We are all very proud of what we have achieved in our first year and the celebrations have been a great way to have some fun together.”
It comes as Amazon last month opened its third warehouse 'NCL1' at Follingsby Max in Gateshead with a further 1,300 permanent jobs created.
But the online retailer has not been without criticism as a number of protests as part of a campaign from Unite the Union were held earlier this year.
Amazon, on a national level, was earlier this year accused of preventing workers from joining a union after concerns globally were raised.
At the time, it strongly refuted any suggestion it did not offer its workers "excellent" pay, benefits and opportunities, while saying it offers staff a "safe and modern" work place.
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