DEBENHAMS has appointed 30-year-old Darren Kay as the new manager of its Market Place store.

Mr Kay will take over from Nigel Stopher, who will take charge of the company's Gloucester branch.

Prior to being appointed as Bolton store manager, Mr Kay spent two years running the chain's Barrow store, after leaving the British Home Stores group in 1999.

Debenhams also announced that a five-week refurbishment programme will begin on July 19. The project will see the introduction of new concessions - Oasis, Jane Norman, Warehouse and Coast.

The childrenswear department will also be expanded and the restaurant will be fully refurbished.