TWO local chartered accountancy firms are to merge. Thompson Jones & Co of Bury and Radcliffe-based Gortons will next month become Thompson Gorton Jones. The new firm will operate out of expanded offices at Heap Bridge, Bury and Radcliffe.

The two financial services arms associated with the firms will merge to form a new combined unit early in the New Year.

The commercial insurance broking services business, Thompson Jones Cloughley, will continue as part of the new group.

The partners said in a statement: "We are delighted that the new firm will be able to offer stronger support to our combined client base. We intend to supply a wide range of services which will allow us to exploit opportunities by becoming a larger organisation."