Two Kent specialist travel businesses have joined forces.

Medway Travel, based in Maidstone and expert in tailoring executive, leisure and education trips for clients, has been bought by CTT Group, Tunbridge Wells.

All 21 staff at Medway Travel’s head office in Albion Place keep their jobs and there are no plans to merge premises.

Medway Travel was founded 19 years ago by Paul and Caroline Julius. Mr Julius, 72, is to stay on for two more years to guide the transition.

He said they had "given birth to a baby which is now 19 years old and it’s time to fly the nest."

CTT Group was the right partner to take the business forward. "I’m not getting any younger and I’m very keen to make sure the company continues in its successful format and continues to grow."

CTT Group – originally known as Country Trails Travel - was founded in the late 1980s and is now headed by Mark Kempster.

The deal was masterminded by BCMS Corporate. Deal leader Andy Denny said: "There was considerable interest in the business but it was clear to all concerned that the CTT Group represented the best fit."