A NIGHTCLUB owner with two venues in the region yesterday announced increased sales and plans to spend millions on refurbishments.

Nexum Leisure said its annual sales were just less than £20m, with three per cent growth during the past six months compared with the same period last year.

The Leicester-based company operates 11 nightclubs across England and Wales, including Zanzibar, in Stockton, and Escapade, in Darlington.

Nexum chief executive Paul Kinsey said: "We are achieving sales growth in the majority of venues and total company sales are now significantly ahead of last year."

Escapade - formerly known as Mardi Gras - opened on Gladstone Street, Darlington, a year ago following a £2m refurbishment. Stockton's Zanzibar is due to undergo a £1.5m refurbishment next year.

Mr Kinsey said the company was planning to acquire more sites.

He said: "We are always looking at new areas and would definitely like to have more venues in the North-East, such as Durham."