Photographic retail chain Jessops is to float on the London Stock Exchange next month.

The move will allow it to double its number of stores and create 1,500 UK jobs over the next seven years.

The flotation is expected to value Jessops, which was founded in 1935 as a family business, at more than £100 million.

The cash raised will allow the Leicester-based group, which currently operates 192 stores across the UK, to more than double its shop numbers to 450 over the next seven years.

Jessops chairman Tim Brookes said: "As the UK's leading specialist photographic retailer, we have developed a leading position in digital photography and have successfully attracted new customers to both our stores and our web site, Jessops.com."

Mr Brookes joined Jessops four years ago when the business was bought in a management buy-out deal.

At the time of the buy-out, the chain had 70 stores and has since expanded through acquiring chains City Camera Exchange, Crewe Camera Exchange, Cequip and Techno.

The shops sell a range of cameras, camcorders, binoculars and film as well as providing internet and mail order developing.