History spectacle a boost to Bishop Auckland

Businesses say they are already benefiting from one of the region's newest attractions.

'Kynren - an epic tale of England' is a night-time spectacle and forms part of a £100 million plan to regenerate Bishop Auckland.

The show brings to life 2000 years of English history and is running for fourteen nights over the summer.

Eleven Arches, the company behind the event, says it has already seen 37 000 visitors through the doors since the show opened at the beginning of July. A further 82 000 tickets have been confirmed for the rest of the fourteen show season this year.

Credit: Eleven Arches presents 'Kynren'

Now, some businesses in the town are now opening later and for longer on show nights after seeing a spike in trade.

Sam Zair, who owns a cafe on Fore Bondgate, says he is now looking to take on new premises.

The owner of nearby Bondgate Gallery, Lynn Talbot is also hoping to expand. She believes investment across the town is giving people confidence.

More than £30 million has been spent on the Kynren theme park by businessman Jonathan Ruffer as part of his £100 million plan to turn the County Durham town into a cultural capital.

His vision also includes continued work at Auckland Castle, a new Spanish art gallery and a hotel. It is hoped the regeneration projects could eventually bring a £20 million a year boost to the local economy.