Farmway, the agricultural co-operative in Piercebridge, has announced the appointment of Dennis Rudkin as retail manager.

Farmway is run and owned by farmers and recently announced plans to expand the business across the region. The company is also expected to begin work on a new store in Leyburn soon.

Mr Rudkin, 57, from Staffordshire, will run the company's nine Countryware stores throughout the North-East and Yorkshire.

He said: "I am carrying out a comprehensive customer survey with a view to improving store layout and product range. As well as stocking everything that the farmer needs, Farmway also has a massive equine business which has natural links with clothing and other countryside and garden requisites."