A pharmaceuticals industry company is hoping to expand after getting approval to build new headquarters in Barnard Castle.

Honeyman Associates plans to build the headquarters at Harmire Enterprise Park, near its original premises.

The company has continued to grow since it was founded a decade ago by chairman Trevor Honeyman.

Bosses are hoping it will blossom further, taking on more staff.

Honeyman Associates provides a complete service for the design, commissioning, installation, validation, testing and maintenance of high purity water and clean steam systems for the pharmaceutical industry.

The new headquarters will provide facilities for 27 workers, and allow room for expansion.

Managing director Steve Jones said: "We are going from strength to strength, and we are hoping to continue to grow and create more jobs and attract more clients."

At a planning meeting this week, Teesdale District Council backed the company's plans for the two-storey development at the side of the entrance to Harmire Enterprise Park.