TEN new jobs have been created as a high-street entrepreneur returns to Preston with the launch of a £10,000 flagship store.

Roy Gabbie, who first started the highly successful Stationary Box chain from a store in the town's St George's Centre, has now unveiling his latest retail venture, Home Equipment.

The new store opened on August 4 in the Guildhall Centre after being transformed into a Changing Rooms-style shop, offering the latest in homewares.

The new store will stock a huge range for the home from fashion textiles, throws and cushions to kitchenware, vases, pottery and glass.

The shop will create up to ten new jobs in the first few months after the opening.

The expansion comes as the company rolls out the new Home Equipment name and style across its stores throughout the North West. The Preston opening brings the company's total store chain to 11 units. These include the Chorley store in Chapel Street, which was transformed into a Home Equipment shop last month.

The man behind the new concept of Home Equipment is an influential player in the retail industry.

"I am delighted to be returning to Preston, where the Stationery Box chain was started, and to be opening a new store for the Home Equipment." said Roy.

"Television programmes like Changing Rooms have put a great emphasis on how easy it can be to transform the look of your home on a relatively low budget.

"More and more people are taking a closer interest in the fashion of homewares and how these can give a house a whole new look."