A FAMILY-RUN garden centre is preparing for a period of new growth with the construction of a major extension.

The Stream and Moorland Garden and Machinery centre in Pickering, is building a new 7,200sq ft extension to house a new café and retail space after securing a £450,000 finance deal with Yorkshire Bank.

The new extension, which is due to open in time for Easter, is also being funded by a £200,000 investment by business owners.

Co-director Charles Hopkinson said the development should pave the way for more visitors and increasing staff numbers from 25 to 35.

The funding was arranged by Pete Sumners, business development manager at Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in York.

James Bradley, of Langleys Solicitors, acted on behalf of both Clydesdale Bank and Hopkinson & Sons on the loan facility.