SHOPKEEPERS are counting the cost of a spree by vandals who left a trail of broken windows in the centre of Bishop Auckland at the weekend.

Six shops in Newgate Street were targeted early on Saturday, including Marks and Spencer, Morton's Fish and Chips and the Trimmers hair salon, where the only window not covered by security shutters was smashed.

Salon owner Jean Wombwell said the window could be boarded up for several weeks.

She is planning renovations under a shopfront improvement scheme and will have to wait for planning permission for the changes.

Mrs Wombwell said: "This is the second incident within a month. Two hundred pounds in jewellery was snatched from inside a window while staff were distracted by someone who made a bogus appointment. I don't like using shutters because I like to see in the shop windows, but none of us has any choice."

Anyone with information is asked to telephone police on (01388) 603566.