Cake and biscuit-maker Tunnock's has been given the go-ahead to extend its factory in South Lanarkshire.

The family-owned bakery firm will add a new three-storey wing at the back of its headquarters in Uddingston after councillors approved the plans.

The extension will house new production floors as well as storage and car parking space.

It will extend from the back of the north end of the existing building on Old Mill Road over the existing car park and access and will "accommodate two upper floor levels of production space and undercroft car parking".

The plans are expected to lead to 30 new jobs at the firm and were approved by councillors on Tuesday despite 11 objections and no letters of support.

A council report recommending the plans were given the go-ahead states: "A design statement submitted in support of the application, highlights that the proposed extension will provide an additional internal production area (measuring 1900 metres squared gross in area) and that, as a result, it is anticipated that 30 new night shift jobs will be created.

"It is also expected that good vehicle movements will increase from a present average of 10 vehicle movements per day to around 12 movements per day."

Tunnock's said it launched the extension plans in a bid to increase production of its biscuits to "to accommodate increased worldwide demand".

A statement said: "The current proposal is to extend Tunnock's existing bakery in central Uddingston to the rear, to create 1900 m² of additional space over two floors to accommodate new production equipment and increased production of existing product ranges.

"This proposal will future-proof the present factory to accommodate increased worldwide demand.

"The effect of the proposed extension is to allow new and improved equipment to be installed."

It added: "This additional investment of several million pounds into the existing bakery premises will additionally safeguard current employment on the site.

"It is expected that 30 new jobs will also be created as a result of the proposed extension, and these will be created on the night shift."