AN expanding hand-made furniture business has chosen Lingfield Point, in Darlington, as the base for its first big expansion.

S R Interiors paints and finishes a wide range of pine furniture, including beds, bedside cabinets, dressers, tables and chairs, to individual customer specifications.

It also offers an extensive choice of high quality soft furnishings, lighting, home accessories and an interior design service.

The business began life at owner Sue Robertson's home in 2000. In 2003 she opened a showroom in Frenchgate, Richmond.

Continued demand for the exquisitely hand-finished furniture has led to the opening of a workshop at Darlington's Lingfield Point estate, where all the hand-painting and finishing will be done.

Ms Robertson said: "Lingfield Point is the ideal place for our new workshop. It is close to the Richmond showroom and access is excellent for deliveries of furniture from the suppliers in Newark.

"I hope that in the near future the popularity of the individually commissioned furniture will ensure the continued growth of the business, and I will be able to take on staff in the workshop.

"I can then concentrate on the showroom and developing the website, which will take the furniture to a much wider audience."

Eddie Humphries, Lingfield Point estate manager, said: "Sue has joined the many diverse businesses locating to Lingfield Point and we welcome her into the growing fold. We pride ourselves on offering extremely flexible premises, which are designed to suit many different types of businesses and encourage growth and expansion."