AN award-winning fish and chip shop has expanded into the busy city centre of Durham.

Bells Fish and Chip Shop already has a shop in Gilesgate, and has now expanded into a former Bimbis site in the Market Place.

The three-floor building is on a major route into the city centre so is in an ideal location to attract passing trade. Owner Graham Kennedy, 43, said: “I made a significant investment in the new site, especially in the takeaway and restaurant sides of Market Place Bells.

“I have always been looking for somewhere to expand and, when I saw Market Place, I knew that I could re-invent it.

“The footfall will be great at our latest location.”

The shop previously belonged to a business which went into administration, so he worked with property agent and chartered surveyor Bradley Hall to seal the deal.

Bradley Hall director, Peter Bartley, said: “The former Bimbis site was bought by Eastwood Fisheries which went into administration.

“I sourced the premises for Graham and negotiated with the administrators on his behalf.”