Musical instrument retailer Williams is hoping turnover will be more than £10m this year after it acquired another five stores.

The company, based in Darlington, recently bought stores in Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Lincoln and Nottingham when its main rival, Fox's, went into administration.

Williams is believed to have paid more than £750,000 for the shops.

The retailer has seen rapid expansion in the past year. At the end of last year it opened stores in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, London, and in Nottingham and employs more than 100 people.

Originally selling pianos and organs, GA Williams was founded in 1910 by George Williams, the great grandfather of Williams' managing director, Ken Campling.

Today, the business has grown to become one of the largest and most successful North-East musical instrument retailers.

It has diversified over the past few years to include rock instruments, such as drums and guitars.

Finance director Graeme Smith said Williams would be looking at expanding the rock side of the business to help the company weather the present downturn on the high street.

Each Williams outlet has a dedicated Big Rock section, with a range including guitars, amplifiers, synthesisers and drums.

Mr Smith said the Big Rock section was the most popular among customers, rather than the more traditional music.

Williams had a turnover of £8m last year, and forecast turnover this year is expected to be more than £10m after integrating the new stores into the business.

Mr Smith said the Christmas period would be crucial for Williams, and each shop was holding events at the end of this month to promote their wares for the festive season.

Williams now has 17 outlets, from a specialist harpsichord shop in London to stores in the Gateshead MetroCentre, Brighton and Exeter, as well as its original shop, in Blackwellgate, Darlington.

The company recently installed an IT system across the group. Durham company Waterstons carried out the work, which is expected to result in efficiency savings and better communication between the stores.