A Darlington insurance brokers has strengthened its position as one of the top North-East-based insurance companies with its acquisition of another company.

BiB (Darlington) Limited has bought out DMC Insurance Services, which was based in Grange Road, Darlington.

The acquisition means BiB will now look after the insurance needs of nearly 15,000 clients in the Darlington and Dales areas and now employs 72 people at its two sites in Darlington.

DMC managing director Robert Wilson, and employees Pauline Blewitt and Michelle Degnan will move with the company to BiB's offices in Northgate, Darlington when the DMC offices close.

Mr Wilson will be taking responsibility for the financial services division of the BiB group.

His two employees will be working with BiB's personal and commercial insurance teams.

Martin Littleton, managing director of BiB said: "We are delighted that Robert, Pauline and Michelle are joining BiB.

"We aim to provide a personal service to all our customers and continuity plays a major part in this.

"It also means a great deal to us that the business and jobs are kept in Darlington."

BiB's marketing manager, Alistair Bell, said: "The acquisition of DMC is part of our growth plan. The majority of its client base is in Darlington and the Dales, as is ours, so it suited us to buy it."