Meat production at a major cattle market in the district is set to be transformed with the launch of a new processing unit.

Craven Cattle Mart's new unit at Skipton Auction Mart is ready to go into action once approval has been received from the Food Standards Agency.

The new unit incorporates a reception area, office, loading area, carcass-breaking room, manufacturing area, fridges and freezers, plus product display and shopping areas.

It is being seen as a boost to the Yorkshire Lamb brand, established by Craven Cattle Mart last year.

Brand manager Andrew Seed said: "We are promoting Yorkshire-branded lamb, beef and pork and sourcing it all from Yorkshire holdings.

"The new unit will be used primarily as a distribution base because of its central location, taking in stock that has been slaughtered at the nearest abattoir to the farm of production, which both keeps this side of the business local and is advantageous in terms of animal welfare."