A Darlington-based tanning studio chain is set to open nine new stores - creating up to 100 new jobs - thanks to a £20million deal with HSBC UK.

The Feel Good Group, which currently operates 110 stores across England and Ireland, will use the funding to grow the business through the acquisition of nine stores across the West Midlands.

The company will also use the cash injection to invest in its product offering, expanding its range through wellness products such as pure red light therapy and cryotherapy.

The new wellness products will be available to customers in major cities including London, Manchester, Leeds and Dublin in the coming weeks before a full national roll out.

Adam Mooney, Founder and Chairman at Feel Good Group, said: “This is a very exciting time for the company. As we make significant steps to grow and revitalise the company with new products and stores we also anticipate hiring around 100 new members of staff bringing our total to 700.

"We have now been supported by HSBC for over 17 years, their knowledge and experience of Feel Good Group gives them a unique and dependable insight into our company.”

Andrew Cox, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, added: ”We have a longstanding relationship with The Feel Good Group and so it has been great to support them as they make significant and innovative enhancements to the business. It is great news for customers across the country which will benefit from new products.”