A Cromer business has bucked the economic downturn after expanding into larger premises.

Lily B, which sells a range of women's fashions and accessories, has been trading in the town since 2011 after opening its small Church Street store.

The dimensions of the shop have restricted owners Jane and Simon Clarke from realising the business' potential, so when a much larger premises in Prince of Wales Road became available they snapped it up.

Speaking from her new store Jane, 53, said: 'We have developed a nice, steady customer base and we have tried to constantly add little things in and respond to the customers' needs, so when they have asked for something we have tried to bring them in. But the size of the little shop has been a constant challenge, you can't do too much.

'Quite early on we realised it would be good to have a bigger premises and then this came up. We loved the size and the look of the shop so we decided to take it up.'

Through the move the couple, who live in Taverham, near Norwich, have been able to take on new staff and have already expanded their lines, with more expected to be added in future.

And since opening on May 18 the larger Lily B branch has been well received.

Jane said: 'Like any new venture we were a little bit nervous but our customers were really excited about the move.

'When people come in they think it's fantastic, the customer feedback and response has been brilliant.'

Jane said the store will be run using the successful formula they had employed at the smaller branch, and she was now concentrating on establishing the new Lily B location.

'The two comments we get mostly have been your prices are brilliant and it's nice to see something a bit different. With those two thoughts in mind we will definitely continue the business with that influence,' she added.

'Even though we will be bringing in some other ranges, those are the key drivers for our business because I think that's what has made it a success.'

The smaller Lily B store will be closing in September, with staff and stock relocating to the new premises.