A long-established Norfolk wood yard has revamped itself and moved premises to make way for a budget supermarket.

Thaxters of Holt, formerly based on Old Station Way, is now called Thaxters Timber and Forestry Ltd and based in a 1960s sawmill on Pippin Heath, Hunworth Road, just outside Holt.

It moved for the new Aldi store which will be built after the 110-year-old former Thaxters headquarters is demolished at the end of this month.

Tim Schofield, director of Thaxters Timber and Forestry Ltd and Aldi project manager, said: 'The new store is incredibly exciting. Within Holt and the surrounding area there is a high percentage of residents going further afield to do their food shopping. There is a huge desire to see it in the town. Aldi will give the town a second alternative for shoppers that has been lacking for a long time.'

Demolition will start after the £55,000 section 106 money from the store developers PH Whittaker Pension Trust has been given to Holt Town Council from North Norfolk District Council.

That money will be used to improve links between the store and town centre and provide three-hours' free parking, among other benefits.

It will take 24 weeks to build the shell of the store and car park, costing £1.3m, and after that Aldi will fit out the business.

It is hoped the store could open early next year and employ up to 50 people.

Thaxters of Holt was set up in 1968 by Brian Thaxter, 68, from High Kelling, and his late father Charlie.

Mr Thaxter is no longer in charge of the new business but his daughter is a director.

As well as selling timber for construction, it built up a reputation for garden sheds.

Mr Schofield said he wanted the new business to expand its manufacturing side, making a mixture of contemporary and traditional garden accessories and do more forestry work.

There were no job losses after the move and the firm, which has a family feel, employs 11 full-time and part-time staff.

Do you have a business story? Email ben.woods@archant.co.uk