PROPERTY group youngsRPS has expanded its Hexham-based rural team with the addition of a new rural chartered surveyor and RICS registered valuer.

Katie Proctor started working with youngsRPS in November and brings with her nearly five years of experience advising farmers and landowners on the Basic Payment Scheme, Countryside Stewardship applications, rural diversification grants, farm tenders, valuations of rural properties, agricultural tenancies, planning applications and estate management.

Prior to joining youngsRPS, Katie worked for a Cumbrian firm of land agents and chartered surveyors and qualified as an RICS chartered surveyor and registered valuer in 2019. Katie is also qualified as a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

Graeme Bruce, managing director of youngsRPS, said: "We’re very excited to have Katie on board. Her depth of experience, knowledge and local connections will complement our growing rural team here in Hexham."

Katie, who was brought up on her family's beef and sheep farm in Hexham, said: "I’m delighted to be joining the youngsRPS Hexham Mart team to work with one of the most established teams of rural chartered surveyors in the North of England, and of course back to my roots here in Hexham."