THE £3m redevelopment of a furniture and interiors store in Northallerton is set to be completed just before Christmas.

The major investment in Barkers Furnishing Store, on Yafforth Road in Northallerton, is to create up to 15 new full and part-time jobs.

Work is now entering its final phase and on target to be finished by Christmas.

The store, which already employs 45 staff, is set to expand by 20,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet to create a section for contemporary furniture, a bigger linens department, a new cook shop and gifts section and a revamp of its bedroom furniture and soft furnishings section.

Barker’s Tree View Cafe is also to be upgraded with capacity increased to 150 seats.

Director Ian Barker said: “This is the biggest development in Barkers' history since the furnishing store opened, and we are delighted to announce that the expansion will create a number of new jobs, both full and part-time.

"This is our commitment to Northallerton as we plan to be around for many years to come and continue to be a familiar name in the town. There is always room for improvement and we are trying to be stronger in all areas."

Barkers began life as a tiny draper’s shop in 1882 and the edge-of-town furnishing store first opened its doors in 1994.