AN estate agency which has been trading for 150 years has been forced to stop selling properties as the economic downturn continues to pressurise the sector, The Northern Echo can reveal.

Sandersons, based in Darlington, said it is "devastating" that it has been forced to apply to put the sales operation into administration, but the business will continue to trade from its "thriving" lettings division.

It is believed to be the first estate agency in the region to take such action, as scores of such companies fight to stay in business as the property market continues to deteriorate.

Read the full story in Tuesday's Northern Echo.