A SECURITY firm which employs more than 130 people across Yorkshire has revealed ambitions to open an office in York after winning another contract in the city.

Gough & Kelly, which two years ago won the contract to provide security staff for City of York Council's new £32 million West Offices, is now set to work alongside Tour Makers next month to ensure safety at the Tour de Yorkshire when the second stage of the cycling event arrives in the York.

The Leeds-headquartered firm, which already provides security for organisations such as the University of York, Nestle, Bootham School and the National Centre for Early Music will be responsible for keeping cyclists and spectators safe as the races finish in York on May 2.

Group operations manager Ian Crawford said: "Just as it was in last year’s Tour de France, York promises to be an exciting stage in the Tour de Yorkshire.

"Spectators will have the chance to see cyclists completing full circuits of the city, as well as a women’s race and the stage two finish - all of which makes for a very exciting day.

"Our role is to work with the Tour Makers to man the roads and crossings along the route, keeping spectators and cyclists safe throughout the event."

Gough and Kelly has a track record of security support for large-scale city centre festivals and sporting events; and has long standing contracts with Leeds United and Castlefield Tigers.

With a growing portfolio of contracts in and around York, the firm is no stranger to working in the area, and Mr Crawford says they have plans to open an office in the city as its North Yorkshire customer base expands: He said: "We’re very keen to have a presence in York to support our existing customers, and we’re looking at the options for opening an office here.

"We’ve been working with City of York Council to provide operational security support, as well as intruder alarms and CCTV monitoring services for several businesses in the area.

"The Tour de Yorkshire contract is a fantastic addition to our work in North Yorkshire; we’re very happy to be working on such a prestigious event in the region."

As well as the York council HQ contract, Gough & Kelly was also awarded contracts by Henshaws College in Harrogate, Leeds City College, Sheffield University, Greenwoods Menswear and GB Builders, and in 2012 installed a new CCTV system at the historic Newby Hall in Ripon.