Merseyside soft drink manufacturer Nicholls is expanding its presence in the lucrative Asian markets, it has been reported.

The Newton-le-Willows-based company is trialling a new range of orange and cherry-flavoured Vimto in Japan. The drinks are being sold in Manga-style slim cans, according to North West Business Insider.

Nichols has also formed a joint venture in China, with Vimto drinks to be launched for the first time in the country sometime in the third quarter.

John Nichols, chairman told Insider: "It's important to get the product and the partner right in these markets.

"We don't take huge risks as a business, but we're excited about these opportunities in Japan and China."

Nichols, which also makes Panda and Sunkist drinks, yesterday posted a 15.5 per cent increase in pre-tax profits for the first half of the year.

Sales reached £29.2 million, compared with £27.8 million in the previous year.