Kent's biggest holiday-let company has been taken over by the UK's leading self-catering firm.

Mulberry Cottages, based in Canterbury, has been acquired by Vacation Rentals UK for an undisclosed figure.

Mulberry, which has cashed in on a boom in self-catering short-break holidays with properties across the south east, will now join Vacation Rentals other holiday brands which include English Country Cottages, Blue Chip Holidays and cottages.com.

Sarah Wood, founder of Mulberry Cottages, said: "This is a great move for the business, which will benefit from new distribution channels and technology available through Vacation Rentals UK.

"I am sure the team will continue to deliver great service and grow under its new ownership.”

The existing Mulberry team will continue to operate from its offices in Canterbury, Cheltenham and Winchester.

Managing director of property and portfolio at Vacation Rentals, Allan Lambert, added: "As a company we are looking to expand both organically and through the acquisition of great businesses like Mulberry. We look forward to working with the team to help the Mulberry business reach new audiences.”

The self-catering lettings agency, which began in 2006, represents over 600 properties.