A COLD storage depot opened eight months ago is to expand with the addition of ten jobs.

Yearsley Cold Storage and Distribution, in Seaham, County Durham, is launching the second phase of its operation on the Fox Cover Industrial Estate.

The £12m development, capable of storing frozen food at temperatures as low as -28C, opened in August with a workforce of 50.

It was given a Royal endorsement by Princess Anne in October.

The expansion will mean the company has space for 22,000 pallets, with an option to increase that to 33,000 if the business continues to grow.

It offers the latest technology in cold storage and distribution, with online information, cold stores and handling facilities, and satellite tracking in all 20 temperature-controlled vehicles.

The Seaham depot is one of a network of Yearsley distribution facilities nationally, which have a total of 110,000 pallet spaces.