Marks & Spencer is spending £330,000 on a revamp of its Darlington store.

The work includes new flooring, equipment and signage.

The food hall will grow by 500sq ft, with a better horticulture range and wine department.

The Per Una range, a big hit with Darlington's designer conscious women, will be relocated at the front of the store to show off its spring and summer collection.

Meanwhile the store, which recently benefited from the arrival of Marks & Spencer's Classic Collection, will have a devoted Classics Shop within the Northgate site.

The Darlington store is one of 20 nationwide to be renewed this quarter.

Store manager Elaine Smith said: "I started my very first job here at Darlington Marks & Spencer 30 years ago, so it's very exciting to be overseeing a new look.

"The entire team is really enthusiastic as this investment highlights our commitment to Darlington and our desire to bring a more attractive shopping environment to our customers."

She added: "Our customers have been the driving force behind our investment and I'm sure they will be delighted by the renovated store."

Most of the work, which began last week, will be done out of hours and through the night, in order to avoid disruption to customers.

Mrs Smith added: "It's business as usual during the refurbishment and staff are on hand should there be any questions about the changes taking place."