A CARD shop has been re-opened by Chester-le-Street District Council chairman Councillor Alan Turner as his first official engagement.

Owned by Kevin and Barbara Brown, it is now part of the Hallmark Gold Crown network.

Manager Sharon Scotter said: "We have traded in Chester-le-Street for many years. We know our customers and their needs.

"This store re-fit has enabled us to provide a better shopping environment with more space for customers to move about, yet provide a bigger range of cards."

Coun Turner drew the winning ticket for a large Forever Friends teddy bear worth £400 as part of the celebrations.