A new axe throwing venue in Newton Aycliffe has been selected to host the European Championships just weeks after opening its doors.
Axe-Aholics on Cumbie Way opened fully at the end of July.
Owner David Tonner decided to revive the former Valhalla North Axe Throwing venue, which closed in December.
Dave, 39, from Stockton, said the closure had left a "massive hole" in members' lives.
Axe-aholics is open for anyone who wants to go- no matter what experience you have (Image: AXE-AHOLICS)
He said: "I decided to take the plunge to start after we lost the axe venue in December.
"It left a massive hole in members' lives and left an absence for the couple of months it was closed.
"I know that we had a strong member base and interest in Aycliffe from the previous place so we looked at a few premises but when the opportunity came up to take over here I just knew I had to do it. We spent a few weeks getting the place ready and then opened at the end of July.
"It is open for anyone who wants to come, whether people want to come in general to let off some steam and meet some like minded people or for people who want to compete.
"It has started really well; it's not just a business but a community too."
Dave has been axe throwing for around five years after first trying it as a way to have somewhere to go and meet people.
The new venue offers 90-minute sessions, including expert coaching followed by games and head-to-head challenges.
Axe-aholics Newton Aycliffe has reopened bringing back the perfect space for the axe-throwing community to meet like minded peopl (Image: AXE-AHOLICS)
It also runs International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF)-sanctioned leagues for people looking to take their throwing further, with four concurrent leagues offering titles, leaderboards and prizes.
But despite only opening in July, Axe-Aholics has already secured a major event.