One of the UK’s biggest stationery chain stores is seeking to establish a shop in the island.

The Works, which has more than 450 stores in the UK and Ireland, sells gifts, arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery is seeking planning permission to install signage to 74 Strand Street in Douglas.

The bid (18/01350/D) is to install the illuminated sign on the front of the store, which had housed Cotton Traders since 2014 and had previously been David Cretney MLC’s shop Moochers since 1998.

The store will, if approval is granted, install the 5.8m sign along above the door with a 70cm square sign to stand out at a 90 degree angle from the wall.

A spokesperson for The Works said: ’As a forward-thinking business we are always looking for new areas to open stores.

’We are currently in the very early stages of exploring opportunities for a store on the Isle of Man and will hopefully be able to share more information on our plans in the coming months.’

The store is listed to let through Black Grace Cowley for £50,000 rent a year.