A CITY centre menswear shop boasting the widest selection of shirt fittings in England is planning to expand into womenswear next month.

Dating back to 1946, Clarksons Menswear in High Petergate, has revealed plans to open a classic ladies room as part of its entry for Retailer of the Year.

The business is run and owned by Andrew Hannan, who started his affiliation with the shop at the age of 12, when he was the original Mr Clarkson's Saturday boy.

When the business was put on the market in 1991 Mr Hannan and his now late father purchased it, endeavouring to increase the offer of menswear year on year, resulting in steadily increasing annual turnover.

Mr Hannan said: "My enthusiasm in menswear has never wained and I can truly say I have never had a bad day; a few testing ones but none to knock my enthusiasm."

Two years ago Mr Hannan expanded Clarksons by obtaining neighbouring premises in High Petergate, giving the business a further 1500 sq ft of selling space.

Mr Hannan, who has one of the few shops in the area selling sock suspenders, said: "We have taken our staffing level from four to nine who are all versed on total customer service.

"Further expansion plans are to open a classic ladies room in September this year, as the demand for ladies seeing our special tweed ranges for their husbands has given me confidence to have special collections made for Clarksons.

"Mr Clarksons left me with a fantastic business ethos, to always pay your suppliers on time,this undoubtedly makes me sleep easier.

"I wouldn't wish to be in any other City running a menswear business. We have faced difficult times but up to date total enthusiasm has won out."