A major milestone will be reached by one of Gloucestershire's biggest business success stories when it opens its twentieth branch this month.

Electrical contractor Clarkson Evans' new branches are expected to create 50 jobs as a result of its on-going five-year expansion plans.

Its two new premises which nudge its branch total to 20, are in Nottingham and Kettering - the former just opened and the fully operational from Monday, November 12.

According to the Staverton-headquartered firm the move reflects the growth in housebuilding in the East Midlands which it calls "one of the fastest growing regions in the UK", with a 19 per cent increase in new home registrations from 2016 to 2017.

"We're delighted to announce the opening of our new branch in Nottingham, part of our plans to expand our company and make our mark in the East Midlands within the next few years," said Nathan Evans, managing director at Clarkson Evans.

"We are already working on several major housing developments for three different housebuilders in the East Midlands, so in order for us to be as efficient as possible it was essential to open a branch in the region."

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer has already begun recruiting electrical apprentices to work out of its Beeston branch.

"We recruit only the very best apprentices and are looking for several recruits to join our Nottingham team. We have a strong track record of offering apprenticeships that lead to long-term careers with us," added Mr Evans, who himself joined the company as an 18-year-old apprentice.

There are further openings planned in Sheffield and Leeds in the future.

Clarkson Evans has long called itself "a major player in the housebuilding industry", wiring nearly 20,000 new homes in 2017 - that is one in 10 of all new homes built in England and Wales.

It employs more than 850 staff and operates across much of southern England, the Midlands and South Wales.