PAWNBROKING and jewellery chain Herbert Brown is to open four stores in Greater Manchester as part of a multi-million pound expansion drive, the group announced today.

It follows the strongest period of trading during the company's 169-year history, fuelled by the recession and the soaring value of gold.

Herbert Brown currently has two branches in Greater Manchester and expects to open the new outlets by the middle of 2010. It plans to have a total of 10 more shops nationwide by June.

In addition, the group will before Christmas establish two `gold kiosks' in Greater Manchester shopping districts where the public will be able to sell unwanted gold and jewellery.

The business was founded in Leeds in 1840 and has more than 30 outlets across the north.

Herbert Brown's Managing director Rod Mason said: "The business is experiencing its highest level of footfall in its history."