RICHMOND MP William Hague and wife Ffion took their hats off to an expanding local business at the weekend.

The couple were the guests of honour at the Great Smeaton branch of Get Ahead - a chain of hat shops run by a co-operative of farmers' wives, which boasts branches as far afield and Devon and Scotland.

The North Yorkshire premises opened a new extension to better display its range on Saturday.

"Mrs Hague seemed to enjoy trying on some of the hats on and told us she would certainly know where to come when she needs a new one," said manager Pat Robinson, who runs the Great Smeaton shop with daughter Anita Mekkaoui.

"Mr Hague added he was delighted to see the new building blended so well with what was already there," said Mrs Robinson.

Get Ahead has also recently appointed a London designer to add to the range of hats available - either for sale or for hire.

"We're hoping that as well as having more room, we'll be able to offer more choice," said Mrs Robinson.