DEMAND for curtain design and making at a Northallerton company has grown so much that the store needed to find two new senior members of staff - a designer and a fitter.

But CB Furnishings needed to look no further than its own staff, and promptly appointed Jo Spence and John Dales.

Mr Dales, from South Otterington, was a trained joiner, but was working as a delivery driver for the store. After further training under the previous fitter, he is now making and installing vertical blinds and curtains, as well as pelmets.

Mrs Spence, who lives in Brompton with her young family, was working in fabric sales, where she had already shown a flair for design and colour. So many customers were asking for help in choosing curtains for their homes that the store's general manager, Vic Ison, chose her for training in interior design. She is now their home consultation expert.

"We now offer a one-stop service for curtains for your home or business premises," says Mr Ison. "Customers who want advice can be visited by Jo, helped with selection and measuring, and then John will come out and fit the blinds and curtains. I was delighted to be able to promote these two enthusiastic members of staff."

AT YOUR SERVICE: Jo Spence and John Dales are pictured left with Vic Ison, general manager.