More than 50 jobs are being created after one of the country's largest independent financial advisors announced it was opening an office in Brighton.

John Charcol, which offers advice on mortgages and a wide range of other financial matters, is opening a new branch at Aspect House, in Queen's Road, on March 13.

The company also plans to move its general insurance operation from London to its new offices in Brighton. Branch director Shane Samtani said: "We have recruited staff from all over Sussex and feel that this arms us with the local knowledge, vital when working in a close community.

"Our staff numbers currently total eight and we plan to increase this to 25 in the next two years."

The insurance side of the operation will also expand from the ten existing employees to 50 staff within two years.

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