Pennells, which began in 1780, has undergone a dramatic period of growth over the past few years following the development of a 270-seat restaurant and additional retail space in 2008.

Its latest investment includes a new luxury food hall, featuring a butchers counter, an extension to the restaurant with a further 200 seats, 1,500 sq metres of additional retail indoor space and a 3,300sqm fully covered plant area.

As a result of the investment the centre's staff count has grown by 15, bringing the total number of employees to more than 80.

Richard Pennell, chairman of the business, said: "We were keen to develop the centre further in order to strengthen the appeal of the business to customers in the Lincoln area.

"The support we have received from the Clydesdale Bank has been instrumental in helping realise this ambition."

Within the development there are plans for Leading Labels Clothing, Pavers Shoes, Field & Trek and Gary Simpson Butchers – all providing a strong attraction for customers from Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

The most recent funding package was delivered by Michael Pickles, relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank's Business and Private Banking Centre in Lincoln.

Katy Simpson, head of Clydesdale Bank's Lincoln Business and Private Banking Centre, said: "It's great to work with and be able to support a thriving local business like Pennells Garden Centre.

"The company demonstrates the incredibly important role enterprising family-owned businesses play in the region and typifies their ambitious nature. We're particularly pleased to help the business expand its current offering to customers.

"Clydesdale Bank remains focussed on investing in the local economy and it's extremely rewarding to know that we can play a part in supporting the aspirations of ambitious firms like Pennells Garden Centre."

Pictured: Michael Pickles from Clydesdale Bank delivers good news of further investment to Richard Pennell.