VIKINGS have landed on foreign shores once more - but this time their aim is not invasion and pillage but the pursuit of good grooming and to trade in all things beard related.

Viking Beard Company, which has ‘settlements’ in both York and Gainsborough, is celebrating landing its latest international distribution agreement, in the Mediterranean island of Malta, having signed an exclusive three-year deal with local businessman Ryan Wood.

Established in 2015, Viking Beard Company produces handmade beard oils, balms and waxes which are sold worldwide.

After being bought a company gift set by his girlfriend, Mr Wood made a fruitless search throughout Malta for more of its products.

Having failed in his quest, he contacted Viking Beard Company and asked if he could sell their products in Malta.

He has now succeeded in securing the sole distribution rights for Malta for an undisclosed sum, and is trading via his website vikingbeardmalta.com

“I just knew there wasn’t anything like this available in Malta and immediately saw the huge opportunity for something of this quality,” Mr Wood said.

Simon Hildreth, sales and marketing director for Viking Beard Company UK said, “When Ryan first contacted us it was immediately obvious that he has the same ethos as ourselves with a fun attitude to business and a commitment to customer service.

“We’re really excited to be working with him.”