AN expanding North Yorkshire wine merchant is celebrating three new contracts in the run up to Christmas.

Firth & Co, whose offices and warehouse are at Lowfield Farm, Ainderby Steeple, are now supplying The Black Swan Hotel at Helmsley; Bowcliffe Hall, near Wetherby; and Lartington Hall, near Barnard Castle.

Andrew Firth, manging director, said: "These three deals round off an excellent year and are a ringing endorsement of the high standards we consistently strive to achieve.

"Over the past few years, we have established a strong reputation for being a niche supplier of excellent European wines at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on a swift and personal service and are proud of the fact that we supply some of the very best hotels and restaurants in Yorkshire and the North East."

The Black Swan is now run by award-winning hotelier Jeremy Rata, previously managing director at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey.

Jonathan Turner of Bowcliffe Hall is turning it into a leading events venue and has also just bought The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill.

Lartington Hall is owned by John and Shona Harper Wilkes who recently appointed Richard Picard-Edwards as manager. He was previously at The Lords of the Manor Hotel in the Cotswolds, where he attained a Michelin Star.

Other Firth & Co clients include the Star Inn The City in York; the Pipe and Glass near Beverley; the Blue Lion in East Witton; the Pheasant Inn, near Helmsley; The Bay Horse, Hurworth; Five House Farm Shop, Crathorne; and the White Horse and Griffin in Whitby.