A wholesale book firm is to create 200 new jobs in Eastbourne.

Local MP Nigel Waterson said the news about Gardners Books was a sign of an upturn in investment in the town.

The firm, based in Whittle Drive, is to take over a disused pharmaceuticals building and set up a print facility.

That could propel the company's annual turnover beyond the £100 million mark.

Mr Waterson said: "This is brilliant news for Eastbourne. We are very lucky to have Gardners in this constituency and it shows how the town can benefit from successful companies.

"Gardeners is fortunate that it is able to expand because I know of several other companies who would like to but cannot because of a lack of space.

"I know that is something my colleagues on the council are aiming to address."

Recruitment is already under way to fill the 200 posts.

Jonathan Little, Gardners' managing director, said the company was keen to recruit local people.

He said: "We always try to keep all our business local. Even with building work, the majority of our contractors are from the Eastbourne area.

"Admittedly, if you're into distribution on the scale we are, Eastbourne wouldn't be the first choice as a base. But the company was established here and we have decided to stay locally."

Company bosses expect most of the 200 posts to be filled within the next month.

About half the jobs are full-time and there are also vacancies in senior management and supervision.