An Otley letting agency will celebrate its 20th anniversary this summer.

Parkes & Co started out as a one-man business operating out of a small office and has prospered over the subsequent two decades.

The firm now employs four people and has a much bigger base – occupying much of the Bondgate building it once only rented just a single, first-floor room from.

Owner Andrew Parkinson had limited property experience when he established the company in 1994, but has gone on to build a large portfolio.

His daughter Jessica joined the business in 2012. She said: “It’s really an honour to join the family business along side my father, take it into the second generation and look towards how the business can continue to grow.”

Appreciative of the support it receives from the local community, the firm sponsors Otley Cricket Club and Weston Warriors’ rounders team and also supports Otley Show, Otley Victorian Fayre, Askwith Primary School, Clifton Village Hall, Arthritis Research and Otley Beer Festival.

Mr Parkinson said: “We would like to thank all who have been involved with the business over the past 20 years as we look forward to the next 20.”