A NEW store has opened in a city centre shopping complex.

The specialist diamond and watch retailer Ernest Jones has opened its 156th store at Durham's Prince Bishop's centre.

Part of the Signet Group, the 996sq ft shop will sell gold, silver and diamond jewellery.

Branch manager Austin Kelly said: "Our new store is hustle free, to help our customers feel relaxed.

"We also have plenty of staff at hand to help shoppers with their purchases, which we feel is very important, especially when making emotional purchases such as wedding and engagement rings.

"We are delighted to be part of the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre as it offers a perfect location for us, particularly with the high number of tourists to the city.

"We look forward to working with the centre and community."

Peter Bennion, centre manager at the shopping complex, which overlooks the River Wear, said: "We are very excited about the new store opening.

"This is just one of the major retailers interested in locating within the centre, and we are currently in discussion with a number of other high street names."