Sainsbury's has appointed a new managing director for the north as the retailer bids to expand its store estate in the region.

David Furness will take on the role at the end of August, heading Sainsbury's stores across the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

He has 27 years' retail experience and has worked for Safeway and most recently at DIY chain Wickes where he was operations director.

"The company has set out exciting expansion plans for the north," he said. "This is a great time to be joining Sainsbury's."