A CHAMPAGNE bar and Indian restaurant has created 11 new jobs in Trimdon Village.

Brothers Sabir Ahmed and Mohammed Miah joined forces to transform a run-down bar on the outskirts of the village into the Cinnamon Club and Champagne Bar.

Mr Miah, 36, from Washington, said: “We have literally put our hearts, souls, blood and tears in this place and we’ve been positively overwhelmed with the response from local people and visitors to the area.”

The venue, on Salters Lane, has been completely refurbished and can now seat 120 diners and also offers a takeaway service.

So far, the business has created 11 new jobs in an area of high unemployment, from waiting and bar staff , to cocktail mix-ologists, kitchen hands and chefs.

Mr Miah added: “We are determined to make a great success of the business and we want to grow until we’re open all day, every day.

“We are keen to expand the workforce and add to the local economy, as well as giving something back to the people of Trimdon.”