S T Gowan, of Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, has introduced a range of Deutz-Fahr tractors, combines and forklifts, a move which managing director Steve Gowan said would help to expand the business at a time of economic uncertainty.

Mr Gowan said: "Farming in the last 12 months has gone through a better time so farmers have had a better time of it, with for example the price of corn going up £200 a ton.

"Farmers are feeling a bit better off while the rest of the businesses in the area are on a bit of a decline so we feel it's quite good that we should expand while the time is right for farmers."

The new franchise replaces the range of Valtra machinery which Mr Gowan lost to a larger company, but he insists the move has worked out for the best.

"Within the Deutz-Fahr range there are combines which we haven't been able to offer before and we have never been able to offer telescopic handlers before, but now we can," Mr Gowan added.

The dealership covers a large area, including Whitby, York and Howden, and is also well known for offering grass harvesting equipment produced by Vicon.