HAYS Travel has opened a new branch in Basingstoke town centre.

The firm is the UK’s largest independent travel agent and opened the doors of it Wote Street office, pictured, on Friday, 28 July.

The new opening follows the Sunderland-headquartered firm’s targeted expansion across the UK and a recent award win at the Agent Achievement Awards, where it was named the best large travel agency in the UK.

From its new branch, visitors will be able to purchase holidays to worldwide destinations, as well as purchase their foreign currency. Seven members of staff are employed at the agency.

Jane Schumm, retail and training director at Hays Travel, said: “Wote Street is a busy high street location with a great retail mix of local businesses and national chains. As such, it’s a great fit for Hays Travel as it continues its expansion throughout the UK.”

Further openings are scheduled in Hove and Southsea, taking the businesses’ total number of retail stores across the country to 156 employing more than one thousand people, with sales of over £850 million.