East Anglian electrical retailer Hughes has invested �100,000 in a move to a new larger store in Dereham which has seen it double in size and take on more staff.

Hughes, which won business of the year in this year's EDP Business Awards, has moved into the former Warehouse Clearance shop in Nelson Place next door to its old store.

The changes also mean that two new staff have been taken on to work in the expanded store.

The move means the new 2,200sq ft store has more space to expand its range of white goods, built-in appliances, computing equipment and also add an area to demonstrate the connectivity of smart TVs.

It comes as the Hughes brand enjoyed further success after Hughes Direct, its internet division, won a top industry award after securing the Domestic and General internet retailer of the year crown.

The award, which was based on a survey of more than 1,000 high street and online retailers rated stores in four key areas including store presentation, product information and customer service.

Hughes Direct was rated very highly for its exceptional product information and delivery service.

Carl Dickerson, manager of the Nelson Place store, said: 'We see our new store as being excellent news both for Hughes and Dereham.

'With all the talk of a consumer downturn, it is pleasing that we can make this investment and commitment to the town.

'We can now offer a far wider range of goods in a more pleasant environment.

'Since opening we have been very encouraged by both the numbers of customers and their comments about the new store and what we have to offer.'

In a separate move, National chain Costa was recently granted planning permission to open a new coffee shop in the former Hughes store.