TAUNTON-based Invest Southwest has bought a historic building it plans to turn into modern offices.

Managing director Dave Penny was handed the keys to the three-storey Grade II* listed 12 Hammet Street on Monday and plans to renovate it ahead of the firm's tenth anniversary in 2017.

Invest Southwest employs 14 financial advisers across the region, as well as offering wills, power of attorney and estate planning advice through its sister company Will Management Services.

Mr Penny, a former County Gazette employee, said: "Due to exceptional levels of client satisfaction, we have been expanding carefully to meet demand.

"The provision of a classical 21st Century office for advice meetings, is the next stage of that process."