A home care company's Norfolk branch is set to bring up to 20 new jobs over the next year after securing premises in Dereham.

West Norfolk-based Home Instead Senior Care is expanding 'due to demand' and last year its operations manager, Tom McEwan, set about looking for an additional base in the market town.

'Over the last year we have seen a demand for our services in the Dereham area,' he said. 'These enquiries have come because of existing clients recommending our services to people living in the area.

'We feel that having an office in the centre of Dereham makes finding out about our services easier for people, but in addition knowing that the ongoing support is local and accessible.

'We hope to bring in between 15 to 20 new jobs over the next year, made up of caregivers and office roles.'

The new office, which will be based at First House, Quebec Street, is expected to open by early March.

Mr McEwan added: 'We are looking forward to going to Dereham and getting involved in the town.

'It seems to be a small, thriving market town and we are excited to be there.'

The company also holds regular dementia awareness sessions in the community, something Mr McEwan said he was pleased to be able to offer.

'Last year we did talks to over 350 people about dementia in offices and out in the community. We also attend carers' groups too.

'That is something we would be looking at doing in the Dereham area as well.'

The family-run company is in its tenth year of trading. Previously, it has won the Queens Award for Enterprise (Innovation) in 2016.

- If you are interesting in finding out more about working as, or training to become, a caregiver, the team are hosting a recruitment day at Tall Orders, in Dereham, on Friday, February 2, between 2pm and 4pm. To register your interest visit the Facebook page Home Instead Senior Care West Norfolk, Dereham and Holt.