Soft-furnishings giant Ponden Mill looks set to increase its staffing levels by more than 1,000 people.

The firm, which recently moved to new headquarters in Keighley, has revealed ambitious expansion plans.

Ponden Mill, which was founded by Barry Brookfield more than 30 years ago, began life as a market stall in Skipton. Today the firm has 120 outlets and enjoyed pre-tax profits of £1.2 million in 2001.

John Taylor, Ponden's managing director, said: "We want to open around 20 to 30 new outlets each year across the UK and Ireland."

The firm spent £3 million consolidating its Silsden headquarters and three warehouses at the beginning of the year.

Mr Taylor said: "The move to our new 200,000 sq ft site has given us a strong foothold for our expansion plans. We have a four- to five-year plan and hope to have around 300 stores at the end of the period. Roseby's has 400 shops and we want to start snapping at its heels."

The firm, which employs 162 people at its headquarters in Royd Ings Avenue, said the expansion plans would take staffing levels at the site up a further 50 by the end of the programme.

Mr Taylor added: "TV programmes like Changing Rooms have played a massive part in helping to grow the firm as people are now into decorating and accessorising their homes.

"We will take a hard look at the extra growth we want to achieve. We don't want to over-expand but we feel by moving to new headquarters we have got the foundations right."