THE mayor of Pickering has officially opened Pickering Antiques.

Following a soft launch in May, the new store hosted by a three-day launch at the end of last month, beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Cllr Joy Andrews.

It is situated between Pickering Surgery and Coopers of Pickering and is owned by local businessman Craig Cooper. It is the latest venture by the Cooper family who have been in business 124 years.

Shop manager Nicola Garrard said: “Pickering’s last antiques centre closed in August last year, and was sorely missed by locals, and tourists of Pickering, so the arrival of new venture, Pickering Antiques, has been a welcome surprise to many. We’ve had people coming in everyday surprised to see the new store, and the response has been overwhelming.”

Coming events include the Pickering Antiques Roadshow will be held on Sunday, September 16, in Coopers of Pickering’s car park. Proceeds raised with go to Ryedale Special Families, and Great North Air Ambulance.