A store manager has been appointed to lead the team at Stroud's new independent department store, Sandersons Boutique.

Joanne Ireland from Cirencester will bring more than 25 years of expertise in customer service and retail management to the new store, which is due to open on April 14.

She has previously worked with a wide range of esteemed brands across the UK, Europe and the USA including Levi Strauss UK and Max Mara, and also for luxury department stores Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Harrods.

Ms Ireland joins Sandersons at what is said to be a really exciting time for the company, as plans are currently underway to open their third store in Stroud this April bringing a huge range of high quality, luxury brands to the area which are not currently available.

Speaking about her new job role, she said: "I am so delighted to be leading the team at the new Sandersons' store, it is going to be a really special addition to the town, and I cannot wait to welcome our new customers on April 14.

"I have worked in the industry for almost 30 years now with a great deal of experience in luxury department stores and I am looking forward to recruiting and training up a team of local people to serve our community here in Stroud.

"As a local girl I know that the town is in need of somewhere that provides the very best high end, luxury and exciting brands to local shoppers and here at Sandersons we will achieve just that".

Managing director of Sandersons, Lisa Fox said: "We would like to wish Joanne a very warm welcome to the Sandersons team, her expertise in the luxury retail industry are unparalleled and she will make a fantastic leader for the team at the new store.

Sandersons are currently looking for 30 talented, local people to join the team at the new store located at the newly refurbished Five Valleys Shopping Centre.