Morrisons has struck a deal with shoe repairs specialist Timpson as the grocer accelerates its drive to make better use of store space.

The partnership will involve Timpson taking over the running of Morrisons’ dry-cleaning operations, which the grocer currently runs in 116 stores.

Morrisons said the tie-up will allow Timpson to extend the offer to include key-cutting, shoe repairs, watch repairs and phone and tablet repairs.

The concessions will be branded ‘Timpson at Morrisons’ and will be rolled out to more stores as part of the supermarket giant’s Fresh Look programme to breathe new life into its larger sheds.

Morrisons completed more than 50 store refits during the 2015/16 financial year and aims to revamp its entire estate by the end of 2018/19 as new boss David Potts bids to build momentum at the Bradford-based retailer.

Its full-year pre-tax profits fell 27% to £302m, but trading improved in the fourth quarter of last year before it posted a 0.7% uplift in like-for-like sales in the 13 weeks to May 1.

Morrisons director of popular and useful services Roger Fogg said: “This partnership will mean that customers will find more popular and useful services at Morrisons stores.

“This is a way of growing our offer that is both capital-light and simpler for our colleagues.”

Timpson boss James Timpson added: “Through Timpson at Morrisons, we will give shoppers our full service offer, from key-cutting to mobile phone repairs, while they shop.

“We’re also looking forward to making our great value dry-cleaning service available to new customers in even more Morrisons stores.”