GRAEME NEWTON has taken over the running of North Yorkshire's Randall Orchard Construction (ROC) from the founder of the business.

He takes up the reins from Randall Orchard, who founded the company in 1976 in Richmond and built it into a successful business that has grown each year.

Mr Newton joined ROC 18 years ago, when he was approached by the head of sixth form at school, who told him a local businessman was looking for an assistant.

Mr Orchard wanted to train someone who would one day take over the business.

Mr Newton said: "It all came completely out of the blue - one day I am at school, the next, straight into a working environment. From that day to this, I have put all my energy into the business, and taking over from Randall is something which gives me a lot of satisfaction."

Mr Newton's wife, Joanne, a former primary school teacher, is the company secretary.

The company is involved in projects across the country, ranging from farm and barn conversions, to building medical centres, and work on listed buildings and in conservation areas.

Under Mr Newton, the parent company is known as Newroc, but will still trade as Randall Orchard Construction for the time being.