A VAN and truck dealer is expanding with the investment of £3m across the region.

As part of a five-year plan, Bell Truck Sales is opening showrooms at Teesway Park, Portrack Lane, Stockton, and on the Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead.

The family firm, owned by sisters Yvonne Bell and Carolyn Bayne, sells and services Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

The company is dividing its van and truck operations and redeveloping its head office in Long Benton, Newcastle, and sites in Billingham, Teesside, Spennymoor, County Durham, and Birtley, Tyne and Wear.

The Stockton, Birtley and Long Benton sites will become dedicated van centres, while the Team Valley and Billingham bases will deal solely in trucks.

The Stockton centre will open in the autumn, with space for 200 vehicles.