THE rapidly-expanding Esh Group, which outgrew the village that gave it its name, has added recycling to its lengthening list of businesses.

The company's successful growth, that forced its move out of the County Durham village of Esh Winning, is set to continue with the help of a joint venture with Aggregate Industries.

The pair have established Bardon-Esh Ltd to capitalise on new opportunities in the construction materials sector.

The deal follows the Esh Group's takeover earlier this month of recycling and skip hire company J Tonks (Transport) Ltd, of Teesside.

The new company will focus on recycling activities within the region, operating plants at Haverton Hill and Wingate and producing a wide range of reusable construction aggregates.

Bardon Recycling, Aggregate Industries' waste management business, will be responsible for the sale of the recycled materials produced from the operation.

J Tonks Transport will continue to operate its skip hire and waste management business as a separate venture in the region.

The Esh Group employs about 600 people and turnover in this year is forecast to exceed £60m.