INTERNET business directory Ask Alix is taking on more staff as it continues to spread across continental Europe.

The Eaglescliffe operation has taken on staff fluent in French, Swedish and German, to make its website more accessible across Europe.

The online directory and search engine has already been launched in 12 countries, including a flagship office in Paris.

The new staff will deal with an increasing number of enquiries from Europe and help to translate information on the website.

Sandra Snowdon, part of the customer service team at Ask Alix, said: "I was born in Germany and was brought up in Sweden and so speak fluent German and Swedish.

"I translate English into German and Swedish on the website and deal with enquiries from both these countries."

Patricia Naud moved from her native France to Teesside.

She said: "I moved from Paris to the North-East and found a job at Ask Alix more or less straight away.

"My job is to deal with customers from France, Belgium and Luxembourg as well as translating for the website.

"The only thing I miss about France is the weather."

David Wijnants, from Belgium, is an analysts programmer at Ask Alix, working on software solutions.

He said: "I enjoy working here and I am constantly learning new things."