SPECIALISING in a niche sector has served a York sports shop well during its 25 years in business.

IT Sports, in Clifton Moor, is celebrating a quarter of a century of trade having grown to be one of Yorkshire’s largest racquet specialists.

The business was founded by Ian Tooms, who opened a sports shop in Haxby in 1988.

After two years the shop enjoyed such success that it had to move to bigger premises in Clifton Moor.

Mr Tooms, who is himself a keen squash and tennis player, said: “As the business grew we found ourselves evolving to become racquet specialists.

“We now have customers coming from all over the north of England, and string 70 racquets a week.”

The business now also has a shop in Leeds at the Chapel Allerton Tennis, Squash and Gym Club, run by Mr Tooms’ wife Jane.

For the past 20 years IT Sports has sponsored the York and District Mixed Tennis League, and each year produces its own tennis racquet, designed by Mr Tooms and made by sports brand Head.

Mr Tooms, who stringed rackets during Wimbledon championships in the early 1990s, said: “I never envisaged the business would grow to this level.

“I think we have succeeded in reaching our 25th anniversary because we have specialised to become a very niche business.

“We don’t have much competition in terms of physical shops doing what we do, our main competitors are online. They don’t come anywhere near to offering the same levels of service though.

“Business has changed a lot and every year we have to change. We stay fresh and come up with new ideas.

“We always try to stay 1-0 ahead of the competition.”