A Newtownabbey children's wear manufacturer is investing more than £350,000 in an attempt to increase sales in the UK and mainland Europe. Belart, which was set up 50 years ago, is a locally owned company employing around 105 people.

It produces its own brands of children's wear under the Belart and Michael de Leon labels. It also distributes branded garments such as Levis for Kids.

Chairman, Mr Billy Kohner, said its strategy was to expand production, to increase its sales through a network of concessions shops, and to manufacture and distribute other branded lines.

"We will also be installing new computer equipment to provide up to the minute information about individual customers," Mr Kohner said.