ENTREPENEUR Theo Paphitis has bought the electrical and hardware retailer Robert Dyas for an undisclosed sum.

The Dragon's Den star revealed the news on Twitter and it was later confirmed by the retailer, which has a branch in Colchester's High Street.

Mr Paphitis tweeted: "First to hear it on tweeter! pleased to say just bought the retail business Robert Dyas! I am in the ironmongery business!"

Robert Dyas has 97 stores in the UK and employs more than 1,000 staff.

Mr Paphitis, whose other retail interests include the Ryman stationery chain and Boux Avenue lingerie retailer, bought Robert Dyas through his company Gladys Emmanuel Limited.

He will join as chairman.