WITH one almighty bound ... a London travel firm, kangaroo in tow, has headed for York as its northern base - and stand by for rapid expansion offering 20 jobs to the city.

Quest Travel, based at Kingston-upon-Thames, in Surrey, which specialises in worldwide tailor-made trips, especially to Australia, was lured by the York Inward Investment Board to Walmgate in York for its expansion.

For the moment, with a staff of three (plus the occasional visit by a head office promotional 'roo ) Quest Travel finds that the premises are adequate.

But already Richard Todd, Quest Travel's new northern area manager, and Dave Taylor, the new marketing manager for York Inward Investment Board are hunting for a bigger home, one that will involve a small call-centre early in the new year.

Mr Todd, who originally hails from Pocklington, said: "We have had our eye on premises in Fossgate, but that is not due to become available until August."

He was full of praise for the York IIB. "They really are a one-stop shop, helping us to liaise with estate agents."

The company services any travel needs, including flights, hotels, tours and car hire and also provides oackages to South East Asia, the Americas and emerging destinations in Southern Africa and the Middle East.

Moving with Mr Todd from Kingston is Steve Robson, a senior travel consultant and the first recruit will be Natasha Farr-Voller.