A CHARTERED surveyors is to open an office within Hexham mart.

YoungsRPS, which is also a successful land agency and property consultancy, operates across Northern England and Scotland, and has been in discussions with the mart for some time.

Robbie Hutchinson, managing director, said: "We are delighted that they have concluded that we are the best partner for them to offer a full professional service to their customers, We, for our part, are of course keen to tap into the passing trade in the mart.

"In recent years our two companies have worked together jointly in terms of live and deadstock sales. The mart's team of auctioneers are out on farm and can identify their clients needs for advisory services, and we have the full range of experts willing to help.

"Farming is an industry which must address significant changes during the next few years, so this is, without doubt, a mutually beneficial arrangement."

The office will be open Monday to Friday and staffed full time by Charles Raine, director of YoungsRPS, and Harry Morshead, chartered surveyor. They will be supported by chartered surveyor, Matthew Wallace.

The main Hexham office will continue to offer an extensive range of advice, including property sales and lettings, valuations, landlord and tenant issues, legal assistance, property and farming projects, planning and development and estate management guidance.

Rob Addison, managing director of Hexham Mart, said: "As a company, YoungsRPS are deep rooted in agriculture, and have a tremendous reputation with farmers in this area, so we are delighted to welcome them to the mart. Our two companies work together well and have established a natural synergy, so this collaboration gives our customers instant access to professionals.

"The specialisms being provided by YoungsRPS dovetail with the range of services that we will continue to offer - such as completion of rural payment forms and all environmental grant schemes, together with grazing agreements, farm and machinery sales."