An ambitious Bradford company has founded an oversees division to sell flats and villas in Africa.

Squarefoot Apartments, which has enjoyed rapid growth in West Yorkshire, will now be selling properties in Morocco, in north-west Africa.

The firm's interest in Morocco is driven by the modernising attitude of the country's king, Mohammed VI, who is spearheading a large-scale property development initiative.

According to Opodo, a pan-European travel company owned by nine of Europe's leading airlines, Morocco is one of the top three up-and-coming holiday destinations in the world.

"Morocco is going to be the next Dubai," said Mani Waheed, managing director of Squarefoot Apartments.

"The King of Morocco is leading a huge development programme across the country. We are offering properties in a resort south of Agadir but plan to expand to other parts of the country and elsewhere in Europe and North Africa."

At the exclusive Royal Maroc Sports & Leisure Club, Squarefoot Overseas is offering apartments or villas off plan' at prices starting at 45,000.

"There has been enormous growth in overseas property investment," said Mr Waheed.

"Thousands of British people are buying properties for their own use or as investments and many are building impressive portfolios.

"Encouraged by television programmes featuring property buying overseas, investors now look beyond France and Spain and are buying apartments and villas in both North Africa and many eastern European countries."

In the UK, Squarefoot specialises in the sale of contemporary apartments in Bradford city centre.

The company was recently retained as exclusive agent by German developer Garbe, which is converting Hanover House, Gallon House and Tayson House for residential use in the historic Little Germany area.

The company is also involved in selling apartments in the prestigious Citygate and Gatehaus schemes in City Living.