THE region's newest shopping development opens today.

Socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson will open Dalton Park, in Murton, this morning, a £50m development set in 55 acres of land, containing 75 shops, cafes and restaurants.

It is set to be the region's biggest outlet shopping centre and has been built on a former colliery spoil heap.

Celebrations to mark the opening are set to go on all day and will be rounded off with a live band and fireworks display at 9pm.

A new police station will also be opening inside the retail development. The police office will be located in the management suite block, between McDonald's and Harry Ramsden's.

PC Janet Hutchinson and PC Janet Phillips will carry out their duties from the new location.

The police and the park's security staff will swap information on well-known shoplifters, and all the retail premises will be covered by a Shopwatch scheme.