A business park in Darlington - which is expected to create more than 5,000 jobs when complete - has attracted a firm of architects.

FaulknerBrowns is the final occupier of Lingfield Point's Beehive development.

The nationally-recognised firm of architects has taken on 2,500sq ft as part of its expansion programme.

The company is transferring staff from its office in Belasis Business Park, Billingham, to Lingfield Point, as well as creating several jobs.

Lingfield is the former Paton & Baldwins wool factory.

The Beehive is the former ballroom at the wool factory, and has been converted into offices, now home to four businesses.

Phase one of the 1950s dance hall is now fully let after undergoing a £1.4m transformation, with FaulknerBrowns taking the last offices available in the first phase.

Lingfield Point said interest was already growing in phase two, with negotiations under way with potential occupiers.

Eddie Humphries, estate manager at Lingfield Point, said: "The response we have received regarding the Beehive has been fantastic.

"We pride ourselves on offering flexible premises, which are designed to suit many different types of businesses and encourage growth and expansion."

Neil Taylor, senior partner at FaulknerBrowns, said: "We are pleased to announce the opening of our new office in Darlington.

"We intend our Darlington office to reflect our headquarters office in Newcastle and the quality of the environment, the buildings and architecture mirror our aspirations in these respects.

"Of great benefit to our practice is the quality of personnel to be found in the region and we intend working closely with local centres of education to provide training for our staff and new recruits.

"We very much look forward to reaping the many benefits on offer and to watching the evolution of the Darlington office over the next few years."