OPENING: Maria Sattar and Tim Mitchison have opened Specsavers, a national brand which runs as a joint venture partnership
OPENING: Maria Sattar and Tim Mitchison have opened Specsavers, a national brand which runs as a joint venture partnership

A PAIR of business partners have unveiled a new store in Barnard Castle, creating five new roles and investing “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in the area.

Tim Mitchison and Maria Sattar are the force behind the Specsavers which will deliver optical and audiology services to the town centre.

The store opened on Saturday, August 31 and boasts 1,000 frames, new OCT machines and two optical test rooms with an audiology facility and disabled access.

Mr Mitchison is also at the helm at Specsavers in Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe and has a wealth of experience.

Ms Sattar has worked as an opthalmic optician for nine years and has been based in the Bishop Auckland store for three. Mr Mitchison said: “It’s a real pleasure to be opening the store in Barnard Castle, and I hope that Specsavers will help bring added value to this small market town.

“Maria and I are committed to providing locals with the best optical and hearing services available and can’t wait to build relationships with new customers.”

Ms Sattar added: “It’s a privilege to be bringing another Specsavers store to the North East. It’s a fabulous place with fabulous people.

“It’s a very exciting time, and we’re looking forward to many years of serving the community.”

During the store’s official launch there were balloons and entertainment, including a stiltwalker.