Tim and Beverly Roberts have taken over a luxury cattery in the region.

In the past, the couple had trusted the Rainton Gate Luxury Cats' Hotel to look after their pets and jumped at the chance to run the business.

Mr Roberts will continue as an air traffic controller, while running the administration and maintenance of the business.

He said: "A good cattery can be hard to find, so when we were looking for somewhere to house our own cats, we were delighted to find this one.

"It is Feline Advisory Bureau accredited and more and more people are looking for that standard these days."

The cattery is licensed for 60 cats in 30 units and is off the A690, between Sunderland and Durham.

Law firm Gordon Brown Associates, which has offices in Sunderland, Chester-le-Street, Gateshead and Stanley, County Durham, helped the couple with the purchase.

Gordon Brown said: "Having been in business myself for 25 years, to help somebody set themselves up in business is always rewarding.

"It is great that Tim and Beverly have found a new future for themselves by buying a cattery which they obviously so firmly believe in, having been long-term customers."

For more information visit www.rainton-gate.co.uk