FINDING new premises on his doorstep seems to have paid off for a Bishop Auckland businessman.

Tarn Nichol, who owns the town's Saks hair and beauty franchise, has created a stylish £500,000 salon next door to his former premises in Newgate Street.

The move has already provided six extra jobs at the salon, which will eventually open seven days a week, with four late nights.

New clients are arriving every day and Mr Nichol is expanding the range of services to include anti-ageing facial oxygenation, hot stone therapy, collagenics, teeth whitening and tanning.

There are plans to turn the building's third floor into a spa, sauna and steam room area.

The corner building has previously functioned as a hotel, a branch of the Halford's chain and, most recently, a furniture and soft furnishings store.

Mr Nichol said: "We have been in Bishop Auckland for 16 years and have needed to move for some time but there are not many large properties.

"I realised this was the best location right in the centre of the town where people can see us. In the first week of opening we have exceeded expectations and I am convinced it was the right thing to do.

"People expect the best from a salon with the latest look and therapies. They also want to come when it suits them and are prepared to spend time on pampering themselves.

"Bishop Auckland is a good town with a good range of shops and services. All we need now is a department store."