An Isle of Wight high street shop, which has sat empty for a number of years, is occupied once again — thanks to an independently-owned furniture retailer.

Marking a new era for the business, Solent Beds and Furniture has moved into its new showroom at 95 High Street, Newport.

Formerly home to Poundstretcher and Courts Furniture store, the building has undergone an extensive refurbishment ahead of today's opening.

A opening ceremony held this morning (Monday) was attended by councillors Julie Jones-Evans and Martin Oliver.

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Store manager Dan Malone was on hand to cut the ribbon and open the doors for the first time.

The new store offers a huge range of quality furniture and sofas from many big-name brands including G Plan, La-Z-Boy and Parker Knoll. 

For the last ten years, Solent Beds and Furniture has been based from a shop at Savoy Court, Town Lane, Newport.

Solent Beds and Furniture opens new high street showroomSolent Beds and Furniture opens new high street showroom (Image: IWCP)

It also has a building at Riverway, Newport and a flagship superstore in Lake, which opened in April 2006.

The firm is closing both Newport branches and merging them into the bigger high street premises.

The new showroom, which also features a large Signature Bed Gallery on the first floor, opened for the first time from 11am.