CAR hire firm LCH has launched a major expansion plan as part of a bid to double its size in the next two years.

The firm is planning to take on 10 new branch managers to run new sites as part of a recruitment drive in the first stage of its development, which will add to its 25 depots nationwide.

LCH has built demand through providing hire vehicles to the insurance industry, but has also expanded into the retail and business sectors, with its online sister companies 1car1.com and 1van1.com.

Recent and planned sites for openings include Plymouth, Nottingham, Northampton, Stansted and Aberdeen.

The firm has also opened a branch in Sydney, Australia, following increased demand for car hire from customers travelling from overseas.

The firm recently bought 600 vehicles worth £7 million from Leeds Vauxhall dealership Reg Vardy as part of its strategy to capture business from the 700,000 Australians who regularly visit the UK.