AN EXPANDING estate agents has opened a branch in Keighley, creating three jobs.

Hunters has taken over a previously-vacant premises in North Street.

The launch takes the company's total number of offices nationally to more 170.

Franchise owners of the new outlet are father-and-son Andrew and Rory Procter, who set-up Hunters' award-winning Skipton branch six years ago.

Rory, a director of the company, is heading-up the Keighley operation.

He said: "We have taken a large market share in Skipton, the Dales and down the Aire Valley.

"With branches in Shipley, Bingley and Skipton, Keighley was the missing link and obvious choice for helping to grow the business further.

"We are now able to provide full cover from Buckden in the Dales right over to Oxenhope in Bronte Country, including Silsden, Cross Hills, Sutton and Steeton – which are areas we are keen to develop further.

"We're delighted to be adding to our rapidly expanding network.

"Each of the branches has a prime high street location and the Keighley office takes the number of Hunters branches in Yorkshire alone to 41."

The new office has been extensively refurbished with a period theme, reflecting Keighley's heritage as an industrial town.

State-of-the-art phone and IT equipment has been installed, together with bespoke internal display areas and private offices for client meetings.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed last Thursday (Mar 31) by Rory's grandfather, Peter Procter.

Peter was a British cycling champion before going on to enjoy success in motor rallying, amassing dozens of top finishes in events such as the Monte Carlo Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

He has recently released his autobiography, Pedals and Pistons.

Hunters opened its first office in York in 1992 and now has divisions including sales, lettings, auctions, survey, investment, residential block management, land and new homes and franchising.

The company has collected over 30 awards, including twice being voted Best UK Estate Agent.

And in 2013, it received a silver accolade in The Negotiator Awards for Large Estate Agency of the Year.

The firm has achieved Investor in People certification for over a decade and featured in the Sunday Times Best 100 companies list.