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Pawnbroker chain Ramsdens has said it will jump-start its expansion plans and begin opening new shops over the next six months.

The decision to continue its pre-pandemic expansion has been made in anticipation of the easing of lockdown measures across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

In a statement to shareholders, CEO Peter Kenyon said: "We are pleased with the Group's resilient performance despite the ongoing difficult trading conditions - testament to the strengths of Ramsdens' diversified business model.

"We are encouraged by the vaccine roll out, the expected re-opening of non-essential retail in England next week and the most recent º£½ÇÊÓƵ Government announcements on international leisure travel as 'sticking to the road map'.

"Whilst the lack of current detail regarding certain country restrictions and quarantine conditions means we are unable to provide guidance for this summer's FX (foreign exchange) trading, we do believe there is significant underlying consumer demand for international summer travel which is encouraging.

"Subject to no changes to the expected easing of social restrictions, we believe that our next financial year should see more normal trading patterns return and therefore anticipate opening new stores over the next six months as part of our long-term growth strategy.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ramsdens team for their continued dedication to serving our local communities throughout the pandemic."

During lockdown the company has managed to keep 90% of its stores open after implementing "Covid-secure" policies in an effort to keep staff and customers safe.