A RENOWNED North-East tea and coffee specialist is expanding again across the South Coast.

Ringtons has opened a base in Newton Abbot, near Torquay.

The move comes after the Newcastle-headquartered business experienced strong growth at existing operations across Exeter and Ivybridge, near Plymouth.

Its Newton Abbot venture will be led by former Ringtons’ shop worker James Lamkin.

He said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining the Ringtons family; the first deliveries on the South Coast began in 2008 and ever since the company has continued to thrive in the area.

“There is clearly a demand from consumers for an alternative buying experience, and a personal, traditional service alongside great quality products.”

The Newton Abbot site is Ringtons’ 35th nationally and the firm operates all the way from the South Coast to Edinburgh.

Running a factory in North Tyneside, it also has the Ringtons Beverages catering division and an online store, which delivers worldwide.

Jon Malton, Ringtons’ brand director, added: “We have proven to be very popular in Devon and we have a plan to expand in the area. “

Founded in 1907 by Samuel Smith, who sold tea to households via horse and cart, Ringtons now has a turnover of more than £45m and is headed by the fourth generation of the Smith family.