A FAMILY-OWNED chain of soft furnishings and textiles stores is set to create 100 jobs at its first outlet in Kent.

Dunelm Mill, which has more than 60 outlets across the UK, mainly in the Midlands and the North, is opening in Maidstone in the New Year.

The company is moving into the former Wickes building materials warehouse in London Road.

Dunelm Mill sells beds, bedding, quilts, pillows and throws, curtains, tracks and blinds, cushions, lighting, furniture, wicker, fabrics and haberdashery products, kitchenware and bathroom accessories.

The firm's first move into the county is part of a growth strategy that could see another 15 stores opening over the next few years.

Tim Slade, retail services manager, said the company was on an "aggressive roll-out programme" in the South and the East.

Its only other Southern stores are in Harrow and Romford.

"We are actively seeking the right property opportunities in the South, including other locations in Kent," he said. "We're very much looking forward to moving into Maidstone."

Bill and Jean Adderley founded Dunelm Mill in 1979, selling textiles from a market stall in Leicester. Their son Will is managing director.

They opened their first store in Leicester and now have 67 stores across the UK, including three in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland. The company's head office is in Syston, Leicestershire.

It employs around 4,000 people and has a £240m turnover, said to be growing at more than 30 per cent a year.