Organic root crop growers Tio has been given a grant to go ahead with an expansion which could create up to 20 new jobs.

The Scottish-based company, which is a supplier to Tesco, has been awarded £266,300 by HIE Moray to market the produce of Mid Coul Farms.

The £2.5m expansion will see an upgrading of the Scottish-based company’s facilities, including the extension of their cold storage area, which will enable them to deal with significantly increased volumes.

They also have planning permission to make a 1,500 square metre extension to their existing factory, which could see the staff numbers increase from 47 to 67.

HIE Moray’s development manager, Mandy Holmes, said: "Tio Ltd is a young and vibrant company with a skilled, flexible and enthusiastic management team and workforce.

"Upgrading the quality of their facility will safeguard the continued development of the customer base and will result in new jobs for the area."

William Rose, managing director of Tio, added: "This is great news for the company and for Forres as it is clear that there is considerable potential for the company to expand and take on new employees so I am delighted that we are receiving support with this venture."