Uby MPG Sports and Leisure, which acquired the former Godfrey DIY premises on the corner of Norwich Road and Holt Road this year, now employs 30 staff there and is set to invest £6 million in extending its activities.

And in another recession-busting move, it is planning to spend a further £5 million on setting up a national distribution centre on a 25,000 sq ft site on the outskirts of Fakenham.

Further investment will go into opening new retail branches in four more Norfolk towns, including one at Hunstanton within the next six weeks. The business has already opened an outlet at Pauls Maltings on The Quay in Wells.

Chief executive Zoe Bradshaw, who was born and educated in the town, said: "Fakenham is really our flagship branch and what I would describe as the epicentre of it all.

"We have ambitious plans and these include setting up a fully-equipped gym, spa and a dance studio here."

The Uby group recently acquired Fakenham-based Courtesy Car Group and has expanded into executive chauffeur and courier work. It has also acquired the former Computer Shop, previously based in Bridge Street, and that is now part of the Uby superstore headed by Gary Kite.

Next are plans to open an 80-seater family-orientated Mexican restaurant, called Caspers and Jambinos, in Holt Road by Christmas. This will have a dance floor and a cocktail bar.

The business already has close ties with seven local schools, working through the Norfolk Schools Sports Partnership, with promotion of cycling activities high on the agenda.

Uby group sees bike hiring to camp sites and holiday accommodation in the area as a priority, as the nationwide Sustrans long-distance cycle route passes through Fakenham.

Miss Bradshaw considers the time is right to be promoting healthy lifestyle activities in the community.

"It's really enjoyable, if a bit hectic, to be working here right now," she said.

"The encouragement of green activities is part of what we are all about and promoting exercise in schools, such as cycling clubs, is a key aim."

The store will be stocking local school uniforms previously supplied through W.J. Aldiss.

mike.last@lynnnews.co.uk