A NORTH-EAST gaming accessories firm will create at least 50 jobs after a £10m investment from a US audio company.

Lygo International, in Darlington, has been bought by Turtle Beach, a New York-based industry leader in headsets for global console makers Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.

The firm, which employs 25 people, will move into a 120,000 sq ft office at Darlington's Lingfield Point, and the deal comes after Lygo was last year appointed Turtle Beach's European distribution arm, sending products to high street retailers such as Argos, Game and HMV.

Founded in 1999, Lygo was spotted by Turtle Beach bosses during a visit to the North-East, who were impressed with original base on Lingfield Point business park, including its office space and 10MG broadband connection.

Under the deal, the company will adopt Turtle Beach's name, and work alongside the company, which has operated in the music and audio technology sector for more than 30 years, and makes headsets for the popular Call of Duty gaming franchise.

Paul Crooks, Turtle Beach Europe's senior director of finance and operations, said the move would triple Lygo's existing workforce, while helping it become increasingly eminent in European markets.

He said: “The expansion will create up to 50 jobs, with potential for many more. “The move represents an investment of £10m in the future of the company over the next few years, and we are delighted to be staying at Lingfield Point.

“The facilities at are second to none and the fact that the company looked around the area and couldn’t find anything to rival them proves the point.”

Eddie Humphries, Lingfield Point estate manager, said the business park was delighted Lygo had received the impetus to move forward.

He said: “The company has been a long term customer here at Lingfield Point and it is fantastic to see the ambitious firm doing so well and we look forward to welcoming them as Turtle Beach.

“This is a great deal for us to secure, it’s a massive vote of confidence and a thumbs up for both Lingfield and Darlington, in what is a difficult market.”