A COMPANY specialising in helping victims of fire and flood is expanding.

Less than two years after taking up a franchise with Rainbow International, in Darlington, father-and-son team Charles and Michael Folkes have trebled the size of their operating area.

They have acquired the Middlesbrough franchise only months after buying the Stockton franchise.

The investment allows the company to provide a 24-hour service in Teesside and into Richmondshire.

Rainbow International specialises in cleaning and restoring buildings, contents and equipment in the aftermath of floods or fire. It also provides carpet and upholstery cleaning services for businesses and homes.

The two men lead a team of 13 staff and hope to take on staff as a result of the expansion.

Charles said: "We have invested in good staff and high-quality equipment and that is paying dividends for us.

"The majority of our work is with insurance firms in the UK, but we are also developing other markets, such as providing cleaning services to builders, hotels and restaurants, as well as supplying local authorities with emergency restoration services."

Rainbow International in Darlington, Richmond and Teesside is part of the Rainbow International network of more than 120 franchises.