A manufacturing firm has unveiled a new dedicated research and development centre in the county.

Church & Dwight UK, which makes Batiste, a leading dry shampoo, cut the ribbon on Discovery House in Folkestone today.

The firm, which is headquarted in the US, hopes the new site will recognise the UK operation's role in driving innovation and growth.

Discovery House will be home to the 33 members of its European R&D team, led by director Marita Alegre.

She explained: "Our move coincides with the introduction of specialist training for our scientists and technologists on 'design thinking'.

"For example, now the team can host a consumer focus group to gauge opinion on proposed innovation. The team can react to that feedback immediately and make suggested changes to the formulation or packaging on site. We can then ask the group to return the following day to review the updated formulation."

Discovery House will be home to new product development for Batiste, its haircare portfolio including Viviscal and Toppik; oral care brands; Arm & Hammer, Pearl Drops and Waterpik; and feminine care brands Nair and Femfresh.

The company employs more than 330 people in the Folkestone area.