A NEW estate agency is to be launched in York tomorrow, with the long-term aim of becoming the biggest in North Yorkshire.

Four jobs have been created with the launch of Coalters Estate Agents, in Fishergate, which aims to grow through a vigorous approach to house selling and a high-quality service.

Its manager is Reuben Barrett, a well-known figure in the local housing market, who was managing director of Otisdale Estate Agents, Micklegate, York, at a time of dramatic growth in staff and turnover.

Coalters has set itself the target of winning five per cent of the local housing market in its first year, ten per cent in the second, and 15 per cent in the third, with the ultimate aim of becoming the biggest estate agency in York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Barrett, 35, said: "We have a strong, young dynamic team, absolute confidence that we will deliver what we promise, and confidence that this will deliver our growth plans."

Coalters is so confident, it is offering an initial free service.

Mr Barrett said: "Our service will be free for all homes under offer, with solicitors instructed, before July 31.

"We want people to discover our new approach and recommend it to their family, friends, neighbours and colleagues."

Coalters will concentrate on the mainstream housing market of properties valued at £100,000 and more.

The three other launch staff are branch manager Rob Letts, 33, who has ten years high-level experience in the York and North Yorkshire housing market; senior valuer Justin Johnson, 28, who has several years sales experience, including some with Countrywide, the country's biggest estate agency; and junior negotiator Charlotte Rollason, 20, who joins from agents Grays & Co, York.

Mr Barrett said Coalter was his grandmother's family name in Northern Ireland, which would live on through the business.