Extra funding has been secured by an East Lancs furniture giant to support growth and transformation plans.

Bosses at Bensons for Beds, based in Huncoat, are looking to improve their online presence.

And management is hoping to grow their 166-store portfolio to between 180 to 190 locations during the next two years.

Owners Alteri Investments are supplying the financial support, two years after first becoming involved with the Bolton Avenue firm.

Additional investment is also expected to bring the company's base in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, up to the same customer service levels as their Huncoat and Ayr sites.

Ian Shepherd, Bensons' chairman, said: “This is an important time for Bensons.

"Alteri's investment enables us to step up our transformation programme across all areas of the business.

"We've made great progress towards our goal of becoming a market leading omnichannel retailer.

"There is still plenty to do and this investment will make a big difference, especially at a time when so many retailers are facing strong economic headwinds and the impact of high inflation."

Gavin George, chief executive of Alteri Investors, added: "Alteri remains fully committed to the future of Bensons and this new investment marks another milestone as we build on the strong foundations that have been laid over the past two years.

"We will continue to work closely with the management team so the business can realise its full potential."

Elsewhere the firm has also confirmed the appointment of Gavin Chappell as chief operating officer.

He joins Benson after a 30-year plus retail career with the likes of Asda, Boots, Dunelm and Holland and Barrett.