A South Wales forecourt retailer has snapped up a North Devon service station and convenience store for an undisclosed sum.

VST Group's acquisition of South Molton Services is the company's first foothold in the South West of England, and its ninth freehold petrol station.

The deal - the firm's largest single-site investment to date - was backed by a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK.

The site includes an Esso-branded forecourt and a newly refurbished 2,500 sq ft Costcutter store.

VST Group is planning to redevelop the site by expanding the number of fuel nozzles from eight to 18 and reconfiguring the entry and exit layout.

The upgrades will boost capacity, streamline traffic flow, and cut down wait times, according to the company.

All 12 existing staff will be retained, with

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