has purchased Middleton Service Station, an Esso fuel station and Londis c-store based in the village of Middleton, near Pickering North Yorkshire.

Managing director Joseph Richardson said: "Middleton Service Station is in a great location and has a lot of potential. We plan to start re- development works on the forecourt and upgrade the store later this year."

Middleton Service Station was owned and run by Brian Charlton for over 20 years and employs 12 staff. The Esso forecourt has eight pumps selling four grades of fuel.