ESTATE agents Thomson Hayton Winkley have welcomed a new face to their recently opened office at Main Street, Grange-over-Sands.

Graham Beaumont joins the firm as a property valuer, bringing with him many years' experience in the local market.

Kendal-born Graham has lived locally all his life and was educated at Heversham Grammar School and Leeds University, where he gained a degree in geography.

His career began 35 years ago with a small, independent estate agent in Grange and Milnthorpe, progressing to office manager as the company grew.

Subsequently, Graham worked for a leading national estate agent. He was an award-winning senior valuation manager with the country’s largest branded estate agent, again working in the Grange area.

He says he is delighted to bring the combination of his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the local property market to THW's new office. He is also enjoying the challenge of further developing the firm's market share and professional reputation in South Lakeland, he added.