A MERGER between two South Lakeland firms is set to create up to 15 jobs.

Lupton-based Select Property Maintenance has joined forces with A&A Garden Services to provide a wider range of maintenance services for the hospitality, commercial and retail industries as well as private homes.

David Greensmith, director of Select Property Maintenance, said: “This is an exciting merger and will provide our customers with a wider range of services including ground maintenance and construction works, it also provides further opportunities for local employment and job security for the company's existing staff.

“Existing customers of A&A with whom we are merging will also benefit from a wide range of additional services including painting and decorating as well as gas and electrical services.”

Select will be holding an open day at the Riverside Hotel, Kendal, on February 26, and will be talking with professional tradesmen with plans to create an extra ten to 15 jobs in the next 12 months.