Tong Garden Centre, in Tong village, has been run by Ron Harker and his family since 1984. Now, though, he wants to retire and appointed business agents Ernest Wilson to review the market and find a buyer. As a result he has sold the centre on to entrepreneurs Tom Megginson and Mark Farnsworth.

With 17 acres, Tong is one of the biggest garden centres in Yorkshire and employs around 140 people. However, the new owners, who have acquired the freehold of the site, are promising significant investment in their new business, and will be implementing their plans over the next few weeks. As part of the changes, Tong will also relaunch its website.

Commenting on the deal, Mr Megginson said: "We have been looking for a new site and having been introduced to Tong Garden Centre by Ernest Wilson.

"It allows us to harness our previous business experience and take Tong Garden Centre from a successful business to a multi-million pound turnover business which will not only provide a fantastic destination for our customers but will also dramatically increase the number of employees, thus helping the local economy."

Jonathan Holmes of Ernest Wilson, added: "The purchasers have some very exciting plans which I believe will really put this business on the map as one of the best garden centres in the region."

After Tong Garden Centre suffered a huge fire 15 years ago it had a £3.5m refit, which included new retail buildings, a restaurant, warehousing, glasshouses and polytunnels, along with parking for 700 cars.

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