Plans have been approved which will allow one of Gloucester's biggest employers to leave the city centre - and relocate in Brockworth.

It is no secret that insurance firm Ecclesiastical planned to move from its aging Beaufort House headquarters in Brunswick Road to Gloucester Business Park in Tewkesbury borough.

Punchline revealed the firm's plans for purpose-built offices back in October last year.

But now Tewkesbury Borough Council has approved plans submitted by Arlington, owner of Gloucester Business Park.

Mark Hews, group chief executive of Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: "This is an exciting moment for us in the delivery of our long-term ambitions. The new site will provide modern accommodation for our colleagues, providing them with an environment where they can thrive.

"As one of the county's biggest employers we want to commit our future to Gloucestershire and we will maintain our strong links to Gloucester through our numerous partnerships and charitable projects."

The new office will be able to accommodate all of the specialist insurance and financial services company's employees.

Ecclesiastical has been based in Gloucester since the 1970s, and has underlined that it intends to maintain its "strong links" with the city.

The lease on Beaufort House is due to expire at the end of 2020.

Ecclesiastical expects its new offices to be completed during 2020 with the move taking place before the end of that year.