RURAL auctioneer and surveyor Armitstead Barnett has expanded into new Kendal offices, adding an experienced director to their team in the process.

The firm is to benefit from the services of John Hughes, who will be based at the new offices in Kirkland.

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Senior partner David Cowburn said: "We are delighted to report a very successful first six months’ trading following the opening of our Kendal office.

"Having outgrown our premises in Garstang we needed to expand northwards and Kendal was the right location for us. This move coincided with John Hughes joining us as a partner in the business.

"Mr Hughes will be known to many farmers in the area, having practised as an auctioneer and land agent in the north of England for many years.

"His wealth of experience and local knowledge is invaluable to us and I know that he is looking forward to renewing his past acquaintances and making new contacts in order to assist the rural community with his knowledge."

Also in the Kendal office is Emma Hodkinson, from a well-known local family with farming ancestry.