A Stroud-based food business has signalled its intention to grow further with the appointment of a new sales executive.

Kitchen Garden Foods, which recently appointed two new directors, has welcomed Tom Hughes on to its ambitious team.

Commercial director James Horwood said: "Our business grew again this year and continues to go from strength to strength. I'm really pleased to have Tom on board to help us grow further.

"His entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding customer relation skills means he's a great fit for the role. He's also a foodie, just like us, which really helps."

Tom, who starts in April, added: "I'm really excited to be joining the Kitchen Garden sales team.

"I love the products and branding and the company has strong ethics, which means a lot to me.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and helping grow the business further."

Founded in 1989, Kitchen Garden is an artisan producer of premium jams, chutneys, marmalades and condiments.

With more than 50 awards under their belt, they have become a household name in the Cotswolds and in 2013 they launched Wolfys Porridge - instant porridge pots each containing a little pot of jam or marmalade tucked under the lid.

Picture: Tom Hughes