MAJOR changes to Stokesley's livestock mart arrangements will not cause any full-time job losses.

From the beginning of September, sales are being transferred to Northallerton, but Stokesley remains a collection centre for animals.

Customers at Stokesley will continue to be looked after by the existing full-time staff.

It was announced earlier this month that Stokesley marts was to merge with Northallerton in a move brought about following the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Northallerton Auction Company will take the lease at Stokesley where Penrith Farmers and Kidds will be the landlords.

The changes mean that there will be weekly livestock sales at Northallerton on Wednesdays, in comparison with the fortnightly Tuesday sales at Stokesley. Keeping a collection centre at Stokesley will mean fewer animal movements.