FALKIRK-based Oliphant Bakers has made a seamless switch to new premises in the Stirlingshire town, after being faced with finding a new home at short notice.

The 160-year-old business approached Falkirk Council for help to find an alternative production base after being instructed to move by its previous landlord.

Within two months Oliphant, which sells its wares to wholesalers and its own three shops, had identified a site and begun installing a new production facility on Abbots Road, Bankside Industrial Estate.

The move was supported by various council departments, including property and environmental services.

The firm also received a £2523 grant from Falkirk Business Gateway to help purchase new equipment.

Three new staff have been added to Oliphant's 40-strong workforce following the move, which the firm said has left it better equipped to serve customers thanks to its location.

The baker operates two stores in Linlithgow and one in Falkirk, though 60 per cent of its products are sold via wholesalers to stores across the central belt, from Edinburgh to Stirling.

Alice Gibson, who runs the office in the family-run business, said: "We are delighted with our new premises as it offers us a modern and well-designed space for our growing customer product requirements.

"We are very passionate about offering our customers the very best quality baked goods and we were determined that we could not miss one day of production in our move."