LLOYDS Furniture has marked the latest phase in its expansion by opening a 5,000sq ft store.

The store, in Stockton's Portrack Lane, includes a facility allowing shoppers to search for products online if the shop has sold out.

Lloyds, which opened in Sunderland nearly five years ago, is expecting turnover to increase significantly, and has plans to build a second storey at the Stockton site.

The company is also planning to increase floorspace at the Sunderland site by converting the basement. The company is also looking at other premises in Newcastle. A lighting website is also planned. Managing director Mark Lloyd said he was excited about the latest stage in the expansion.

"I'm a Teesside lad, so it's great to open a new store in my own backyard," he said.

"I am passionate about furniture and believe in offering high-quality products which are also good value.

"Running the internet business in tandem is proving really successful. There is a big screen on the wall of the new store allowing customers to source products from around the world."

The Stockton store will open at 11am on Boxing Day.