A TEES Valley estate agency has invested about £100,000 in a new branch.

Homes and Finance, in Yarm, has opened in Ingleby Barwick, and created four jobs.

The family-run business, set up in 2005 by husband and wife Dave and Jackie Bassett, also provides independent financial and property services.

Mr Bassett said: "Demand and prices for both rented accommodation and properties to buy has increased considerably in areas such as Yarm, Eaglescliffe and Ingleby Barwick, and this has enabled us to grow our business much sooner than anticipated."