A toy company will create nine jobs with a new store in Lichfield.

The Entertainer will take on the former Sports Direct Store in the Three Spires Shopping Centre.

The store will open its doors at 10am on February 27, with a charity trolley dash, face painters, balloon modellers, giveaways and an appearance by Lego character Lloyd Garmadon on offer.

Lichfield will become one of more than 100 locations where the toy company has a store.

Three Spires Shopping Centre manager Lisa Prokopiou said the arrival would be a big boost for the city.

“Although many of our stores already sell a wide range of toys, The Entertainer has games and toys for all pockets, which means this new shop will be a hit with parents.

“It will be a great addition to the fantastic range of items available at Three Spires, and gives people yet another reason to come shopping in Lichfield city centre.”

The company was founded in 1981 by husband and wife team Gary and Catherine Grant and has since gone on to become the biggest independent toy retailer in the UK.

“After experiencing such solid growth across the UK we are pleased to announce the opening of the Lichfield store,” Gary said.

“The Three Spires Shopping Centre itself continues to offer a strong retail position for our store as it attracts large numbers of family shoppers who are demanding more toy shopping choice on the high street and within shopping centres.

“We look forward to bringing joy and wonder to the children of Lichfield and we have plans to increase our presence in UK and will announce further plans soon.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.