ONE of the north's largest friendly societies has moved into new £3 million headquarters at York's Holgate Park.

Benenden Healthcare Society, a not-for-profit mutual organisation providing back-up healthcare for more than a million members in the post office, civil service, BT, the education sector and local authorities, is occupying three-floor purpose-built offices at the York business centre.

The society moved to York ten years ago, but had outgrown its former offices at St George's Place.

Marketing manager Jill Gardiner said: "Sustained growth over the past six years meant that we had simply outgrown our premises.

"Our new three-floor purpose built offices situated opposite CPP on the Holgate Business Park are already proving a great hit with staff. We now have over 130 employees with room for lots of expansion in the future!"

The society's formula of mutual help has worked successfully for almost 100 years, bringing invaluable help and peace of mind to tens of thousands every year. In 2002 Benenden helped more than 63,000 members.

York MP Hugh Bayley, who performed the opening ceremony, said: "As a Labour MP, it is an honour to officially open Benenden Healthcare's new offices.

"Their success as a society, working to complement services provided by the NHS, is built on a history of mutual help.

"What started as the Post Office and Civil Service Sanatorium Society now has one million plus members of all ages and occupations. I am proud that Benenden's headquarters are in my constituency."

The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited, is a non-profit making Incorporated Friendly Society, run by members for the benefit of members.

Updated: 11:41 Tuesday, June 24, 2003