A BEACON of counter culture in Darlington celebrated its 45th birthday today (Wednesday, March 16).

In 1971, a young hippy and her parents opened a tiny shop on North Road, inspired by adventures with the band Mother’s Lament.

Quaker Girl – now Guru Boutique – immediately stood out, with its colourful clothes, Indian materials and the ever-lasting waft of incense.

That shop is where the spirit of Guru was born, says the still young-at-heart hippy Beryl Hankin.

Having outgrown its initial premises, the shop – a haven for Darlington’s quirkier crowds – eventually settled on Blackwellgate and became Guru.

Ms Hankin and her ‘Guru tribe’ have steered the alternative shop from the swinging sixties, through much adversity to its 45th birthday, celebrated today with champagne and strawberry tart.

She said: “We are so happy to have reached this milestone – it’s been a struggle but we’re still here.

“We’re only here because of the friends we have across the town who have shown their support.

“It’s not easy to keep going but we love Guru and so do a lot of people who want us to keep going.

“This has never been about money, it’s about being part of something we love.

“I’d have been better off working for someone else but being part of Guru and part of the town is worth more than money.”

For more information, visit guruboutique.co.uk.