Mike Ashley flashes wad of £50 notes at Sports Direct HQ

Mike Ashley emptied his sizeable pockets in front of the cameras on Wednesday - revealing a thick wad of £50 notes.

The Sports Direct boss was giving a tour of the company's headquarters in Shirebrook when he took part in a mock security check.

In front of photographers and rolling cameras, the billionaire pulled the cash from his pocket and placed it in a security tray.

One onlooker said: "A lot of cash there."

Mr Ashley, who owns Newcastle United Football Club, replied: "Yes I've been to the casino."

The businessman was leading the tour on the day he faced investors at the company's annual general meeting.

It comes the day after Sports Direct announced it would offer casual retail staff guaranteed hours instead of zero-hours contracts and ensure all warehouse staff are paid above the National Minimum Wage following a review into working practices.