Fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct has opened a new store in Staffordshire as it continues to expand its footprint.

The Norwich-based group has launched a shop in Stoke in a converted former B&Q superstore taking its stable of sites up to 21.

Angling Direct, which floated on the AIM list of the London Stock Exchange in July last year and is now valued at £44.7m, said it had plans for further openings in 2018.

Angling Direct chief executive Darren Bailey said: 'The Stoke store is a great strategic opening given the large local angling community and its accessibility.

'At the same time, the new store strengthens Angling Direct's footprint in the North West and quickly follows the recent acquisitions of North West Angling, near Wigan, and Tacklesaver in Wilmslow.?'

The 4,500 sq ft Stoke site will create five to seven jobs.