A LONG-RUNNING family business has a new woman at the helm after its previous owner retired.
Paula Richardson has given up her job as a property developer to run Simpsons Sports, in Post Office Wynd, Darlington.
She has taken over from David Simpson, whose family ran the shop since it was opened more than 70 years ago.
Ms Richardson plans to revamp the store but will also aim to keep its traditional appeal.
She said: "We want to keep the same sort of things but we will stock different lines."
She hopes to set up a new website and adopt a new frontage by the autumn, when the business will be rebranded.
Ms Richardson wants to specialise in walking and running equipment.
Simpsons Sports was established in 1936 in Blackwellgate and moved to its current home in the Fifties.
Ms Richardson has a marketing background and also renovated homes, including apartments in Stanhope Park, Darlington
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