AN AWARD-WINNING family fish business has proved it is not trailing behind when it comes to investing in transport.

A local firm of coachbuilders made a major contribution to a new self-contained mobile shop being shown off to North Yorkshire market visitors during Sea Food Week by Carricks Fish, of Snape, near Bedale.

The firm, which began supporting local markets soon after it was founded in 1929 by the late Bert Carrick, has invested about £100,000 in the 7.5-tonne custom-built Renault over the last 12 months.

Carricks previously carried fish to and from markets in two trailers, hauled by other vehicles. One trailer has now been taken off the road, but the other will continue to be used at Richmond market on Saturdays, while the Renault visits Northallerton on the same day.

The body of the Renault was built and fitted out by Alan Watkinson, of JSW Coachbuilders, of Northallerton, who was responsible for lighting, storage cupboards and electrical work, while a specialist firm in Leeds supplied the stainless steel counters.

The vehicle also includes a self-service section and a hygiene area.

Nicola Carrick, general manager of Carricks Fish, said: ''The trailers are difficult to tow and unstable on the road. This new vehicle has been on the cards for the last two years and we have been working on it for almost 12 months.

''We have been putting all our efforts into making a better shopping experience for customers.

"We have been standing on local markets for a long time and we are also doing a number of shows. The new vehicle is a major investment for us and allows us to put on better displays for customers. It seems to have increased sales already.''

Bert Carrick had a variety of early transport including a motorcycle, a three-wheeled Raleigh van and a pre-war Jowett van.

After the war, he operated mobile shops fashioned from an old RAF bomb trolley and a shooting brake until he bought purpose-built vehicles from leading makers like Karrier.