More than 300 jobs will be created in the wake of massive expansion plans by a specialist truck design firm.

Multidrive announced it was set to quadruple in size after gaining approval to build a second factory in North Yorkshire.

The research and development-driven outfit has gone from strength to strength since it was established in 1997 after managing director David Brown sold companies in Peterlee and Stockton to Caterpillar.

With a multi-million-pound defence contract on the horizon and high-value orders for its innovative Future Cargo Vehicle truck in the pipeline, the company has engineered a position of strength.

Multidrive will create 60 jobs directly by building a second unit within sight of its existing plant on the Thirsk Industrial Park.

Planning permission has been granted and architects drawings and plans are in place

An estimated 250 further jobs will become available indirectly at suppliers across Yorkshire and the North-East over the following two years.

Marketing manager Chris Chambers said: "This news confirms that what we have in terms of design and technological capability is justifiably different.

"We offer something that is not only different, it has to be different for a good reason.

"Secondly, it confirms our faith in the local area, particularly in local labour forces and our core catchment areas of York, Leeds and Middlesbrough.