A NORTH-EAST lettings agency has increased its portfolio of rental properties by 20 per cent following the completion of a takeover deal.

The move, from Darlington-based My Property Box, is part of the agency's strategic plan to grow its business throughout the Tees Valley.

As a result, the number of homes on its books has grown following the takeover of Holt Estate Agents, which formerly had an office in Thornaby.

My Property Box recently moved into its new headquarters in Grange Road, Darlington, after purchasing the building.

Ben Quaintrell, Managing Director of My Property Box, said: “The addition of such a significant number of properties in this area of the Tees Valley has allowed us to grow the footprint of our business.

“My Property Box has added more homes to its portfolio as a result of the takeover, which underlines our ambition to continue to grow and make our innovative and comprehensive services available to landlords and tenants across a much wider area.

“Having founded the business from scratch just seven years ago, I’m hugely excited at this expansion.”