A Broads family boating business has continued its expansion after buying up a neighbouring firm – adding nine vessels to its hire fleet.

Hoveton-based Barnes Brinkcraft acquired Royalls Boatyard as part of an investment which director Daniel Thwaites said could come close to the £1m mark.

Barnes Brinkcraft is also building three new holiday lets, taking its total to 15, and aiming to bring in more staff.

Mr Thwaites said: 'One of the main things behind it is that Barnes Brinkcraft has expanded a lot and it is bursting at the seams.

'With Royalls being next door to us it is a very sensible move.'

Mr Thwaites said the holiday rental sector was going strong, with the company coming off the back of its best ever year, and extending the services on offer was important in an age of quick breaks.

He said: 'When my mother and father rant he business 40 years ago you had to book for two weeks and have a reference from someone who had used the company.

'Now there is demand for short breaks and you have to do everything quicker.'