Easter and Bank Holidays aren't all about eating chocolate and putting your feet up. Many people use the time off for home improvements.
DIY stores are expected to enjoy a brisk trade over the Easter weekend and IKEA is always a good stop for instant storage solutions and transformations.
There are many DIY outlets dotted around the North East all with different opening hours over the long weekend.
So, to help you out as you plan to embark on a touch of sprucing up or dusting down, here is a guide as to when you can shop for those household and garden essentials.
B&Q
Stores in Scotswood, North Shields, Washington, Durham, Consett and Sunderland will be closing a little earlier than usual.
Opening hours:
Friday, April 19: 7am - 8pm
Saturday, April 20: 7am - 8pm
Sunday, April 21: Closed
Monday, April 22: 7am - 8pm
Homebase
Stores in Gateshead's Team Valley Retail World, Hexham, Alnwick and Blyth Valley Retail Park.
Opening hours:
Friday, April 19: 8am - 8pm
Saturday, April 20: 7am - 8pm
Sunday, April 21: Closed
Monday, April 22: Please check with your local store. Likely to be 8am-8pm.
Wickes
Stores at St James Retail Park in Newcastle, Wallsend , South Shields and Wessington North Industrial Estate, Sunderland are open for longer over the Bank Holiday. Their Saturday hours vary.
Friday, April 19: 6.30am - 9pm
Saturday, April 20: 6.30am - 9pm (Newcastle store opens 7am)
Sunday, April 21: Closed
Monday, April 22: 6.30am - 9pm (Newcastle store opens 7am)
Bargain barbecues to snap up for the sunshine as Britain gears up for Bank Holidays
Ikea
Following its usual weekend opening, Ikea Gateshead will close two hours earlier on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday compared with its usual week-day closing time.
Friday, April 19: 10am - 7pm
Saturday, April 20: 10am - 8pm
Sunday, April 21: Closed
Monday, April 22: 10am - 7pm
