KITCHEN and bathroom supplier Court Homemakers has invested more than £250,000 in a new showroom in Northallerton.

Housed in a two-storey building that was previously the old station house, the business is located next to the railway crossing gates at Low Gates.

The Stockton company was family run until two years ago when it was taken over by three of its former senior managers.

Directors Paul Davies, Paul Henderson and Chris Walker have almost 50 years’ service with the company, which sources designs and accessories from across Europe.

Mr Davies, of Northallerton, said: “We have had a successful two years and a growing number of inquiries from clients in North Yorkshire convinced us that the time was right to open a new showroom in the county.

He said that factors behind their decision included the location of the building on the main road into town from Darlington, and the catchment area that Northallerton serves.

The new showroom has created three vacancies in the now 28-strong company. Kitchen designer Steve Duffy was recruited to work principally with customers of the Northallerton showroom, and two further staff are being recruited.

The firm offers a one-stop service, undertaking all building work, gas and electric supply and installation by fully-registered and qualified fitters.

“All our kitchens and bathrooms are individually designed and the cabinets are constructed by us at our factory in Stockton,” said Mr Davies.

“We offer installations to suit all tastes, from ultra modern to contemporary and traditional.

Kitchen installations typically range in price from about £10,000 to £50,000 or even higher.

The Northallerton showroom currently features 13 kitchen settings, five bathrooms and bedroom and study areas, with more displays to be developed on the second floor.

Suppliers include Metris, PWS Second Nature, Siemens, AEG and Franke.

The company is also keen to hear from charitable and voluntary groups who may need help updating their facilities.

It recently installed a £13,000 kitchen at no charge for use by adults with physical and learning difficulties who attend the Teesside Ability Support Centre at Acklam Road, Middlesbrough.

Court Homemakers can be contacted at Northallerton on 01609- 779115, or Portrack Lane, Stockton, on 01642-891010.