BURNLEY-based plumbers merchants James Hargreaves has plugged a gap in the Yorkshire market with the opening of its 12th store.

The company has opened for business in Ilkley, adding to its presence "over the border" where it already has premises in Halifax, Skipton and Keighley.

Managing director Gordon Rothwell said: "Our business within Yorkshire has expanded at a rapid rate over the last five or six years and we are delighted to have got a foothold in Ilkley, a target town of ours for some time."

The is now planning opening a Blackburn store later this spring.