ANN Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold is considering opening a superstore-version of the lingerie chain in the North-East, The Northern Echo can reveal.

The 42-year-old told The Northern Echo she planned to open large retail park versions of the high street shops, with more lifestyle products, as well as the sex toys and lingerie the chain already sells.

She said the North-East was one of Ann Summers' most important areas and that the newly-opened Gateshead store was beating expectations.

The first superstore is expected to be in Cardiff, but Ms Gold said she would then look to the North.