A FAMILY-OWNED builders and plumbers merchant in the Tees Valley has bought a company in Cumbria.

JT Atkinson and Sons, of Middlesbrough, has acquired Littlefairs Builders Merchants and Ironmongers, in Kirkby Stephen, with funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Littlefairs was established in 1947 and has branches in Appleby and Hawes, serving customers across the Upper Eden and Lune valleys, Teesdale and the North Yorkshire Dales.

Managing director Arthur Littlefair will join the JT Atkinson board and will continue to be responsible for the Littlefairs business.

"The Littlefairs business is a great fit, both culturally and geographically. I am delighted with the support provided by Royal Bank of Scotland during the acquisition," said managing director Edwin Atkinson.

"Arthur Littlefair will be actively involved in the continued development of the Littlefairs business, with the benefit of the added turnover of the Atkinson branches and head office's support."

The RBS corporate banking team, in Newcastle, provided debt and working capital facilities to assist the purchase.

JT Atkinson employs a total of 178 staff and also has branches in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and Penrith.