Look local: Durham’s dynamic demographic

As the final resting place of St Cuthbert and subsequent centre of pilgrimage since the 11th century, Durham is a town of great history. Its Norman cathedral and castle were designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, and archaeological evidence suggests a history of settlement in the area since roughly 2000 BC. Although the city has a relatively small population, Durham attracts a large number of tourists and students to its cobbled streets.

‘Being Northern, the patients are friendly,’ says retail director of the Specsavers city centre store Andy Craig. ‘There’s a large percentage of people linked to the prestigious university, college of schools and comprehensives too. So with students, academics and senior citizens, we see a great mix of young and old people.’ Currently, the Durham store employs two apprentices from Specsavers’ central enhanced optical services (EOS) scheme, a prime example of the multiple’s commitment to furthering EOS nationwide.