SOUTHERN estate agency Pearsons has re-opened in Andover after an absence of 15 years from the town.

It has also reached an agreement with auctioneer Bob Herbert over the existing Andover saleroom to the rear of its new office in London Street.

Sean Dayus, managing director of the new Pearsons operation in the town, said: "Estate agents and auction rooms are complementary businesses and in this case we share the same values, both offering traditional high standards of customer service."

Pearsons chairman Roger Pearson said: "We are continually expanding the number of offices.''