A FAMILY-RUN farming and haulage business saw a £500,000 expansion of its premises opened by the president of the National Farmers' Union at the weekend.

Sir Ben Gill attended a special ceremony at Whitkirk Produce Company's Easingwold site, where an office and training facility has been added.

The £500,000 scheme also includes an 8,000sq ft commercial vehicle workshop, equipped to Vehicle Inspectorate standards and designed to maintain its 50-strong fleet of lorries, tankers, plant and machinery.

Jane Grant, managing director of Whitkirk, said: "As the business has grown and diversified, we have been keen to retain our agricultural links and develop specialist expertise.

"This new office and training facility will ensure our staff are kept up to date with the latest legislation and best practice, while the commercial vehicle workshop will be used to maintain our fleet to the highest standards."

The company was established in 1965 by Jane's father, Michael Grant, and now employs 60 people at Easingwold and its Garforth, Leeds, site.

Originally a supplier of potatoes to local fish and chip shops, Whitkirk diversified into bulk haulage and the handling of agricultural commodities such as sugar beet and animal feeds, and more recently into waste management and veterinary services.

The new offices will house the Whitkirk Waste Management Team, and Grants Veterinary Services Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Whitkirk, which is headed up by Jane's sister, Elizabeth Grant.