A TIMBER business in North Yorkshire has expanded by taking over the site of a former competitor.

Duncombe Sawmill, in Helmsley, has purchased what was Dales Timber in Pickering, and has taken on two extra staff to run its new branch.

And in a further boost to Duncombe Sawmill, its owner Emma Woods, has been shortlisted as entrepreneur of the year in the Yorkshire Rural Awards.

Ms Woods, who bought and saved the Helmsley business from closure five years ago, said of the expansion: “We’re excited at this fresh opportunity to take our brand – which has come to be trusted for quality and excellent customer service – to a new area further east.”