A MALTON-BASED web design business has expanded into a former church.

VtsDesign was set up eight years ago by Mark Foster, who is originally from the Wirral and moved to the area in 2002.

Mr Foster, who has 16 years of experience as a web designer, said he found that through talking to local businesses through his job at the time, he realised there was a real need for a local web design and hosting agency.

He said: “The business has expanded rapidly, working with more than 350 clients including a large number of local clients such as JB Motors, Terrington Hall School, Dennis Distribution, Bootham School and many national clients such as the United Reformed Church.

“As the company’s reputation has grown, a number of other designers have joined the team including Rebecca Anderton, who is also a qualified photographer, and Martyna Swies.”

Mr Foster said they had also taken on a fifth team member, Gurpreet Malhi, who would be joining the company at the start of May.

He added: “The company also plays an active role in promoting the government apprentice scheme and as part of this, Bradley Train, who joined straight from school, is making great progress with us as he works towards a City and Guilds qualification in web design.”

Originally the business had worked from rented accommodation in Yorkersgate, Malton, until late last year when Mr Foster realised that to fulfil their future expansion plans, they were going to need to buy their own premises.

Mr Foster said: “After many locations were visited, we decided that the Greengate Centre, former home of the Elim Pentcostal Church would be ideal for us.”

“As phase one of our plans, we carried out renovations to create a custom designed office area.

“For future phases, we plan to renovate the building further with additional office space being created and the potential addition of a photography studio as we look to expand that service.”