THE CONTINUED growth of the Barrons motorhome business has led to the opening of a sales offices at its main site in the North-East.

The company has converted a static caravan into a new sales office accommodating five staff at its Burtree site, near Darlington.

Since starting to sell motorhomes in 1997, the sector has outperformed expectations and now accounts for 25 per cent of the group's turnover.

Ten manufacturers, including leading brands such as Avondale, Bessacarr, Burstner, Moncayo, Chausson, CI, Elddis, EVM, Autotrail and Ace are represented in four of Barrons' outlets, including Burtree, as well as sites in York, Coppull in Lancashire, and Kent.

The Burtree site is Barrons' major motorhome operation, accounting for 40 per cent of all group sales and selling eight of the ten brands.

Russell Close, Barrons' group motorhome sales manager, said: "Using the empty shell of an old mobile unit was the best alternative in which to build an office.

"It has been thoroughly renovated and already houses five staff in comfortable and high-tech surroundings.

"Group sales over the past couple of years have been increasing all the time and it has been motorhome sales that have really driven this.

"The expansion of the motorhome side of the business has been tremendous and has the potential to continue to grow."

Established in 1956, Barrons has a turnover of £65m, and employs about 300 staff, including 70 at Burtree.

It also has a branch in New Zealand.