A NORTH-EAST printing company, which makes football programmes for Sunderland and Middlesbrough, is creating jobs in a merger.

HPM Group, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has joined forces with Darlington's Addo Printing.

Bosses say the firm is looking to expand immediately and needs workers and equipment to support its growth.

The new company will handle all kinds of printed material as well as develop and maintain websites.

HPM was run by managing director Richard Mortimer, with Keiran Bailey founding Addo four years ago.

In the changes, Mr Mortimer has become chairman, with Mr Bailey, who built Addo into a £1m turnover business with ten staff, working as managing director.

Mr Mortimer said: “We are entering a very exciting period for our combined company.

“Buyers of quality print and visual work are crying out for a reliable and flexible partner they can rely on to be part of their team.”