A FORMER bank building in Corbridge has finally been given a new lease of life almost 18 months after it closed.

The building on Middle Street, known as Lloyds Bank House, has been left empty since March 2017 after the bank of the same name closed up shop.

The building was marketed as a three bedroom detached home, but its new owners have turned it into a shop selling products for babies.

Now known as Baby at the Bank, the building was bought by Karen Burdon and her daughter Benita Dickinson

Karen said: “It’s quite quirky; we bought the building last year as an investment.

“My daughter was working at Mothercare and then we saw that the baby shop in Corbridge was closing, and we thought let’s have a go.

“This is the first time we’ve opened a shop. My sons have been involved in converting the inside, so it’s a whole family affair.

“It’s mainly my daughter running it – it will be a good business for her to grow.”

Baby at the Bank opened its doors for the first time earlier this month, offering customers a range of baby-related products including toys, clothes and furniture designed to fit in with modern decor.

Karen and Benita have a background in interior design, and describe the products as an eclectic mix of brands specialising in baby and nursery interiors.

Karen continued: “If you’ve got a contemporary home, then you don’t want to ruin the image with a bright red highchair!

“My daughter has the experience of being a young mum, and I have experience of being a grandmother.

“As a grandmother, I found it very hard to buy for my grandchildren in the area, so we felt that there was a gap in the market.”

The shop also took part in Corbridge’s Midsummer Evening event last Thursday, offering shoppers a glass of Prosecco as they arrived.