LEYBURN auction mart this week announced that it was expanding and taking over the mart in Ripon.

It has successfully approached the board of directors at Ripon to rent the premises from them.

Ripon mart has not re-opened since the national close-down of all auction marts on February 23 last year because of foot-and-mouth .

Leyburn is applying to Defra for a licence to open the market as a weekly collection centre, probably held each Tuesday.

It is also carrying out work to some of the buildings at Ripon and has not ruled out holding sales there at a later date.

"We do have confidence in the future," said Stephen Walker, auctioneer at Leyburn. "We know there is livestock out there and we want to be involved."

Leyburn has appointed a fieldsman to serve Ripon. He is Jim Mattinson, who is available on 07774 281767.