A BUILDING which has stood empty in Tadcaster for 15 years has been given a new lease of life.

Vanilla Interiors has opened a new showroom in the Georgian building on High Street, Tadcaster, to sell its custom-made curtains, Roman blinds and upholstery, luxury wallcoverings and fabrics.

Stephen and Nicola Boyd, who own the business, first tried to secure the premises five years ago, and when they approached the landlord again recently to set up the shop in their home town, they were pleasantly surprised to seal the deal.

The business, which employs 13 people, has a showroom in Castleford where it makes its products.

Two people will be employed in the Tadcaster showroom to start with, said Stephen.

Local MP Nigel Adams cut the ribbon at the official launch of the store.

Nicola Boyd said: “There will always be a market for top quality goods at sensible prices; service and value for money are key.

“One of our main advantages is that we have our own workroom employing highly skilled seamstresses, many of whom joined us from Burberry.”