A COUNTY Durham insurance company is planning its fourth acquisition.

Castle Insurance Services, of Marshall Terrace, Gilesgate Moor, near Durham City, recently bought Westerby Insurance, in Willington.

Last year Castle, founded 15 years ago by brothers Paul and Phil Younger, took over Ark Insurance, in Lanchester, and the commercial business of Bainbridge Insurance Services, in Sacriston.

Paul Younger said: "We are keen to expand the business and are always on the lookout for acquisitions. We are looking for a fourth as we speak.

"We are trying to keep it local and find businesses of a similar nature to ours that can easily slot into what we already do."

The company has benefited from Government legislation that led to the insurance industry being regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

"It has been quite a big sea change for a lot of people," said Mr Younger.

"There is an awful lot of paperwork and smaller firms cannot justify it, and sell out."