EIGHT new traders have vowed to make a success of their businesses despite setting up in a struggling town centre.

The entrepreneurs have been able to fulfil their ambitions with the help of the funding and advice from the South Durham Enterprise Agency.

The new businesses, which have opened in the last six months, include dog grooming, beauty, home ware and electric cigarettes.

Steve Jones set up dog grooming service Best Friends 4 Pets after discovering he did not enjoy personal training when he left the army.

“It has been going really well,” he said. “I have had quite a lot of people ringing up and I am getting support from other businesses in the town.”

Jackie Bell, who runs Coral Beauty in a room in Trimmers hairdressers, said her business had proved popular since opening in July and she is looking forward to it developing even more in the forthcoming months.

Wendy Darlow has yet to name her new business, which sells a range of goods from bath bombs and soap to paintings and bags in Fore Bondgate.

“I knew about the reputation of the town but I didn’t see a reason why not to open,” she said. “I feel I offer something entirely different.”

Mrs Darlow plans to hold art workshops and also allow exhibitors at Bishop Auckland Town Hall display their paintings on the premises.

Steve Robson, executive manager for the South Durham Enterprise Agency, said they were delighted to be able to support people and also see how it gives the centre a boost.

“It is just fantastic to see new businesses coming into the town,” added Joy Allen, county councilor for Bishop Auckland, said: "It’s wonderful to see such a variety of new and fledgling entrepreneurs choosing to set up business in Bishop Auckland.

“We are very lucky to have so much choice in the town and I strongly believe that the town centre and the out-of-town development at Tindale complement each other and strengthen Bishop Auckland’s credentials as a the place to live, shop and visit.”