A SPECIALIST North-East firm is to hire more staff in the New Year.

Site investigation company Hymas Site Services Limited has announced that it is moving to a 4,000 sq ft unit on the Teesside Industrial Estate, in Thornaby.

The new premises are five times the size of its current base in neighbouring Stockton.

Company bosses are also setting up an operation in Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire.

Formed in 1991, Hymas Site Services offer services including drilling, sampling and soil testing.

The company plans to recruit new staff early next year, after it has settled into its new home, which includes offices and a laboratory.

Accountants Keith Robinson & Co helped the business to secure grants towards its services.

Funding came from Business Link and Entrust.

Terry Truran, a partner with Keith Robinson & Co, said: "I believe all of the elements are now in place for the company to be a success, not only at its new expanded premises, but also in the operation it has established in the south of England, where Hymas can make a big impact in the ground investigations marketplace."