A New Year's Day merger between a young, expanding estate agency and a long-established firm in North Yorkshire was announced today.

Gateway Estate Agents, which from a standing start nearly two years ago established branches in Easingwold, Thirsk, Boroughbridge and Ripon, has fused with Charles Lightowler, which also has a presence in Easingwold and Thirsk, but is also based at Boroughbridge. The new organisation will be known as Gateway Lightowler.

The merger means that, where the overlaps occur, Lightowler staff move to Gateway offices, although the Thirsk office continues. There are now 16 on the new Gateway Lightowler payroll, but there have been four Lightowler job losses.

John Lightowler, the founding principal of Charles Lightowler, and a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agencies, will continue in the new operation as manager and valuer.

He said: "I believe the new practice of Gateway Lightowler will set new standards in estate agency and I am excited at the prospect of working with such a forward looking firm as Gateway. I intend that my 30 years of experience will help see the new practice develop into a leading force in residential agency across North Yorkshire."

Mr Lightowler set up the practice of John Lightowler in Boston Spa and Wetherby in 1985. His hard work was rewarded in March 1988 with acquisition of the business by Prudential Property Services before he started Charles Lightowler - named after his father - in 1990.

Gateway opened its first branch in January 2002 and through its modern, customer-focused approach quickly grew and now, under the new Gateway Lightowler brand, it plans further branch openings.

Managing director James Espin said that he intended to move the HQ administration out of Spring Street, Easingwold, and into new premises in the town next year, although Spring Street would continue as a Gateway Lightowler estate agency.

He said: "This is fantastic news for Gateway, its staff and most importantly our customers past, present and future. We have grown the business very quickly and have begun to establish a reputation for customer service excellence through a modern yet friendly and attentive approach"

"What we were lacking was an established and long respected name in our local markets and joining forces with Charles Lightowler immediately gives us that, as well as the best of both worlds for Gateway and Lightowler customers. We have huge respect for John Lightowler and are delighted to welcome him on board."

Updated: 09:55 Wednesday, December 17, 2003