CIVIC leaders are citing a growing independent business in Stockton town centre as evidence that a revamp of the town and a strategy to encourage independent businesses is working.

All Things Wool was based at Stockton Enterprise Arcade, but has now "graduated" to its own premises on Dovecot Street in the centre of town.

Stockton Borough Council provides the Enterprise Arcade on Stockton High Street as a way of providing low-cost retail space to new businesses. The authority also provides business support to the new retailers.

Samantha Hill explained her shop sells hand-dyed yarns of different weights and colours, accessories such as knitting needles, and also offers knitting workshops.

She said: "“I’ve been in the Enterprise Arcade for a year-and-a-half and during that time I have learnt a lot with the great business support. I started the business in a small space with just 20 balls of wool. It has grown so much that I’ve reached a point where I am ready to move into a bigger premises and stock additional products to meet my customers’ needs. It’s fantastic.”

Stockton council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Nigel Cooke, added: “I am delighted that Samantha has expanded All Things Wool onto the High Street with the support of the Enterprise Arcade and I wish her all the best with her new shop on Dovecot Street.”

All Things Wool is open 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturdays. To find out more visit allthingswool.net or facebook.com/allthingswool or follow Sam on Twitter @samanthagrig