GRIMSBY-based estate agency chain Lovelle has landed a major signing – Don Beardsley.

The former footballer's eponymous firm is merging with the northern Lincolnshire franchise operation headed by Jonathan Lovelle.

It comes just over a year after Lovelle Bacons' acquisition and will see a 20 strong team created across two Grimsby offices.

Beardsley's existing offices in Abbey Walk will be rebranded and known as Lovelle Bacons Beardsley and will continue to operate from Abbey Walk, dealing with property lettings and property management.

However, the residential estate agency department for property sales will be moving to Lovelle Bacons' showrooms at Hampton House.

Mr Beardsley, who played for Grimsby Town, Hull City and Doncaster Rovers, will remain with the company, having entered the property world in 1980 after hanging up his football boots.

Over more than 30 years, Beardsley Estate Agents has dealt with property sales, lettings and management. The firm expanded in recent years when it moved to its existing offices in Abbey Walk, from the junction of Pasture Street and East Street.

Mr Beardsley, who made more than 200 appearances in the league and became part of the game's history when he participated in the first English game to be settled on penalties, said: "The property market is ever changing and this is certainly a positive step for my company, staff and clients to be part of a larger progressive firm and I am looking forward to a new challenge."

Lovelle Bacons Beardsley will form part of the Lovelle estate agency chain with further branches in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton upon Humber.

Tracy Clement, branch partner at Lovelle Bacons, said: "The merger with Beardsley again reaffirms the commitment of Lovelle Estate Agency in providing cost effective and quality driven estate agency and letting services.

"A team of more than 20 people will now be based between our Abbey Walk and Hampton House premises. The merger will strengthen our position as one of the leading names in property and represents a substantial expansion for our business."