Confectionery wholesaler Hancocks is to open its first cash and carry in Kent.

The 14,000 sq ft site in Rochester will open on Maidstone Road on 1 March - close to one of Booker’s busiest depots.

More than 5,000 branded and own label confectionery products will be available at the site, which was formerly a large Comet store.

Hancocks chief executive Mark Watson said the site’s proximity to the M2 would be hugely beneficial.

“We expect to draw customers from the immediate towns in addition to many coastal areas slightly further afield, where there is great demand for a wide range of confectionery,” he said.

The opening would be supported with a selection of strong promotions, he added.

Hancocks currently has cash and carries in Watford and Croydon to serve the South East and 20 depots UK-wide.