An estate agents and insurance group have joined forces to bring customers a better service.

Darlington-based estate agents Ann Cordey and The Gale & Phillipson Insurance Group, which has its headquarters in Northallerton, have announced the agreement with immediate effect.

The deal means Ann Cordey clients will have the benefit of independent financial advice, particularly on mortgages and re-mortgaging.

Richard Rutherford, Gale & Phillipson's head of mortgage services, has arranged for two advisors to be based at the Ann Cordey offices in Duke Street, Darlington.

The Gale & Phillipson Group is the fifth largest independent broker in Yorkshire and in the top 50 in the country with offices in Harrogate and Skipton, as well as Northallerton.

Ann Cordey set up in 1996, selling properties within the Darlington area. The last financial year saw sales increase by 36 per cent.