The UK’s largest independent seller of used BMW and Mercedes cars aims to create more than 300 jobs in Kent as part of an expansion.

Big Motoring World, which has been trading for over 20 years, is responding to record sales figures at its three car dealerships in the county.

The company, based in Addington, near West Malling, aims to increase its number of staff to 550 by 2019 and open several new sites over the next four years.

The firm, which employs 250 people, shifted 827 cars in June, its highest ever figure, beating sales of 747 in May, itself a record month.

Founder and chief executive Peter Waddell said the business will also expand its apprenticeship scheme.

He said: “We are delighted with how the first phase is progressing and we are looking forward to working with the relevant councils in the months to come.

“Our expansion will help propel the business into the next stage of its development. We are excited about providing more job opportunities in Kent and becoming one of the key employers in the area.”

The company was founded in 1989 and operates in three car sales sites including one in West Malling and two in Canterbury.

It has a service and collection centre in Snodland.

The company is the largest independent seller of pre-owned BMW’s in the UK, with more than 1,250 in stock.