AN estate agents which started out with a single office in York before growing into a national franchise operation has reported a record year of growth.

Hunters, which opened its first office in York in 1992, said 2014 saw an unprecedented number of new branches after 37 opened during the year.

Hunters opened in counties including Greater London, West Midlands, County Durham, Berkshire, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Lincolnshire, with the business now having 127 branches nationwide.

The firm said expansion is set to continue at pace in 2015 with plans already in place to open in Oldham, Dewsbury, Amersham, Chesham, Leighton Buzzard and Forest Hill during the first quarter and further 50 openings to follow over the year.

Kevin Hollinrake, managing director and Hunters founder, said: "Network growth is at an all-time high, with no other agency growing at the speed we are. These office openings are designed to complement our existing network.

Part of Hunters expansion in 2014, included Lincolnshire’s estate agency, Turner Evans Stevens and its eight branches, joining the group.

In July 2014, the company also merged with Hunters Group Limited, a seven-office firm in the West Midlands.

Andy Bushell, sales director at Hunters said: "It's been simply a phenomenal year; we have completed our best year in history in growing the estate agency network."

Hunters bosses say they are working towards having more than 500 offices in five years’ time, and this month launched the firm's first national television advert.