ONE of the region’s best-known retailers is planning to defy the credit crunch and expand.

Food and wine shop Lewis and Cooper has been meeting the culinary needs of shoppers in Northallerton store for almost eleven decades.

Eight years ago it opened a small outlet within Yarm’s family-owned department store Strickland and Holt.

But now it has seized the opportunity of a High Street shop front in the town and hopes to open on the site of the former Blockbusters store - at 109 High Street - later next month after a full refit.

General manager Bettina Bell said: "We’ve been delighted with our experience of discerning shoppers in Yarm so far, and have enjoyed sharing in the success of a fellow independent, family-owned firm.

"But now it’s time to branch out from our present concession and go for a High Street presence. It’s good news in what is otherwise a rather gloomy time for retail and the economy in general."

All five staff will transfer from the current location and there are no immediate plans to increase staff numbers - but the company is optimistic of steady growth.

The store plans to continue with its current successful formula, with an extensive range of delicatessen items and dried goods, as well as traditional sweets.

They will run alongside a range of international foods and wines and lines that are sourced locally or made in the firm’s own kitchens.

Shop manager Sue Emmerson said: "Our customers in Yarm have embraced us from the very start eight years ago and remain very loyal. We look forward to giving them even more of what they like."

A series of opening offers and special events are planned at the new store once it opens in May. In the meantime the outlet within Strickland and Holt will continue to trade as normal.