The Kivells & Husseys team in Exeter is being expanded in readiness for its take over of Exeter Livestock Centre this April.

Three new recruits have joined the team of chartered surveyors, property agents, auctioneers and valuers, which has been awarded the operating licence for all livestock markets at the centre when the current agreement with Exeter Market Auctioneers (EMA) expires.

Led by partner Simon Alford, the appointments of Russell Steer, Robert Armstrong and Tony Ryder will support the running of Exeter Livestock Centre, where they will be resident throughout the working week.

Mr Alford said: "Their reputations are amongst the best in their field and they are well earned and we, within Kivells & Husseys, are very proud to have them on board."

The recruits are already familiar with the Westcountry, having grown up in Devon.

EMA has run livestock auctions in Exeter since 1991 and is a partnership of four auction firms, one of which is Husseys, which will continue to operate the markets with Kivells. Kivells already operates livestock markets at Holsworthy, Hallworthy and Liskeard, and regular markets at Hallworthy will now move to Thursdays to accommodate the Exeter Friday marts.