A HEALTHY food venture launched in York by a 21-year-old entrepreneur has opened its second branch in Newcastle.

UGOT, which opened eight months ago in York train station is now operating out of the newly refurbished Newcastle train station.

Founder Joe Carnell, from York, now has a team of 25 staff, and is looking to expand the venture into York's city centre as well as identifying sites in Leeds and Harrogate.

Mr Carnell said: "I didn't initially set out to target train stations, but when the site at York became available I thought it was a great opportunity.

"The business has really grown from here thanks to fantastic footfall and a passing trade with people from all walks of life, so opening in Newcastle train station was a natural progression for us.

"I'm really looking to grow the business organically. We've got a new kitchen at our head office in Wetherby, so the whole operation is set up ready to cope with demand from five to six sites.

"Im looking at growing outside of the train station environment now as we make a name for ourselves, so am looking for city centre sites."

Alongside expanding UGOT's presence, Mr Carnell is working on sourcing local ingredients for a new range, working in partnership with Edible York to create a growing patch.

He has also secured a live music licence in preparation for launching "On The Right Tracks" a platform for showcasing local music talent at UGOT's York station site.