A CARPET store that began life in the back of a van will open its new premises tomorrow.

Calverts Carpets has doubled the size of its store on the Standard Way Industrial Estate, in Northallerton.

Builders created the new building exactly the same size as the old one, and linked the two.

The showroom now has 24,000sq ft of display space. The extra capacity will allow the company to expand on its wooden floor and natural fibre collections.

Managing director Bill Calvert began selling carpets from the back of his van more than 30 years ago.

The company's first purpose- built store opened in Thirsk in 1977 and the Northallerton branch opened in 1980.

Mr Calvert said: "After 24 years in Northallerton we have found our customers to be very loyal and supportive. The bigger store will mean we can offer them more choice and improve our service. We hope to welcome new and old customers to our grand opening."

Opening day offers include a free doormat for every visitor, a prize draw to win a Dyson vacuum cleaner and ten per cent off all first day purchases.