A MAJOR Wearside developer has appointed a chartered accountancy firm to help it progress further.

Athenaeum Developments, the company behind the successful Derwenthaugh scheme next to the MetroCentre, including TGI Fridays, Frankie and Benny's, KFC and Holiday Inn Express, has taken on leading chartered accountants Ryecroft Glenton.

Its founder, Neil Wright, recently retired, handing over the day-to-day running of the business to his daughter Beth.

With Ryecroft Glenton's help, she hopes to push it forward and continue to develop sites around the region.

She said: "At this stage in my company's development, I need a firm of accountants who can advise me on all aspects of my business and have a proven track record within the property sector.

"Ryecroft Glenton totally fulfils our requirements and I am sure it will be able to assist with our growth."