A favourite haunt of the young and the fashionable in the North-East has undergone a revamp "to rival Harvey Nics".

The opening of Steve Cochrane's Psyche store, in Middlesbrough, has created 40 jobs and offers more floor-space of shopping than Harvey Nichols.

Psyche, a Teesside designer label, has transformed the facade and interior of the former Upton's building, in Linthorpe Road, realising the owner's dream of giving the region an upmarket department store.

Alongside exclusive boutiques with designer labels is a "shoppers' paradise", with cosmetic dentists, opticians, hairdressers, nail technicians, and even a champagne and oyster bar.

The four-storey shop is the culmination of six months' hard work, including negotiations with planners and fundraisers.

Chris Beaumont, manager at Clive Owen and Company's Darlington office, has been involved in raising funds for the multi-million pound investment.

He said: "Steve's flair and determination to offer top designer fashions to the people of the North-East is inspiring.

"The success of his men's and women's shops in Middlesbrough coupled with 20 years' experience in the fashion industry is a fantastic foundation upon which to build this remarkable new business venture."