A growing chain of estate agents has kicked off a new era by opening a new branch with the creation of 13 jobs.

Haart, which sponsors the Kent County Football League, has embarked on an expansion programme across Kent, London and the South East.

The 2,000 sq ft sales and lettings branch at 3-4 Kings Parade, Ashford, represents a £100,000 investment by the national independent estate agent.

Last year, Spicerhaart, parent company of haart, spent more than £350,000 rebranding the network of the former Spicer McColl branches across the county. Haart now has 11 outlets in Kent.

The company has also upgraded other branches and launched lettings agencies in Dartford, Maidstone and Walderslade.

Branch manager Matthew Chivers heads a four-strong sales team in Ashford. A further nine jobs are planned. He said he hoped the team's local knowledge would prove a huge benefit to clients thinking of selling, buying, letting or renting in the area.

Spicerhaart operates more than 100 branches nationwide. Founded in 1999, it received more than 20 awards in the 2011 UK Property Awards.

The business was founded in East Anglia more than 20 years ago by father and son Alick and Paul Smith. The group now includes six estate agency brands - Spicer McColl, Darlows, fine, Felicity J Lord, haart, and Haybrook.