A varnish and oils retailer is creating 15 new jobs after expanding turnover to £8 million.

In a little over a decade, Wood Finishes Direct has grown from a small operation in a 16th century barn just outside Ashford to a shop in Park Farm Industrial Estate in Folkestone.

The company, which employs 39 people, is predicted to double in size over the next year through the expansion of online sales.

Its director Laurence Mann aims to hire staff in sales, administration and its warehouse to maintain its growth.

Folkestone-based recruitment firm Red Eagle has been hired to find the new employees.

Head of its commercial division Lorna Geens said: “This is excellent news for Folkestone and sits well with the town’s regeneration.”