A Preston-based travel firm is leaving the city after 18 years.

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Gold Medal Travel Group, currently based at Preston Docks, is heading south of the river to take on larger premises in Leyland.

The firm has bought Lancaster House, which is part of the former Leyland Trucks headquarters on the Lancashire Business Park, from Lancashire County Council’s economic development company.

It is not yet known who will take over Gold Medal’s current site in Port Way, Ashton-on-Ribble.

The county council purchased Lancashire Business Park in 1993, through its economic development company Lancashire County Developments (Property) Limited (LCDL).

County Councillor Tim Ashton, chairman of LCDL, said: “This is great news for Lancashire, as we’ve been able to work with Gold Medal Travel Group, a locally-based company, to find them the right site for their future growth plans.

“They’re already successfully working worldwide, employing hundreds of people, and this move will help them to continue this in the future.”

Read more: Vandals target empty office block at Preston Docks

The move, planned to take place in Spring 2019, will provide them with 50,000 sq ft of office space.

John Bevan, chief executive officer of dnata Travel Europe, owners of Gold Medal Travel, said: “After 18 years at The Trident Centre, the time is right for a new location. This will be our signature office, there will be a focus on wellness and it will be kitted out with British materials.

“We will be as eco-friendly as we can. The staff are all very excited and are looking forward to a refreshed and improved working environment.”

Do you work at Gold Medal Travel? What do you think of the move? Let us know in the comments below