A NEW independent estate agent has been officially opened in Malton.

The ribbon was cut at the new office of Willowgreen Estate Agents Councillor Bob Gardiner, chairman of Ryedale District Council.

Lisa Tyler and Jo Jarrett, who have set up Willowgreen, are both familiar faces on the local property scene having worked in the industry for 20 and 15 years respectively.

Lisa, who was a branch manager for a national estate agent, said: “I relocated to Ryedale to raise my family several years ago. I adore this region it really is the best place to live and I am thrilled to have identified an opportunity to create, with Jo, a truly independent and professional agency.

Jo, who has lived in Malton for eight years said she recognised the new vibrancy that was filling the town with new shops and businesses.

“Malton is really changing for the better," she said. "Our new premises in Market Street are the latest in a wave of new openings and there is now a very eclectic mix of retail, food and professional services all on the same street, which we are very proud to be a part of."