ARGOS is looking to hire 10,000 people to cope with demand this Christmas.

Around 9,800 temporary customer advisors and stock assistants are being sought by the company at more than 800 stores.

Argos is also seeking around 1,000 Fast Track drivers for its customer delivery service.

Steve Carson, the company's Director of Retail and Customer Operations, said: "Christmas is an extremely busy and exciting time of year for Argos with millions of customers visiting our stores over the festive season.

"We're looking for enthusiastic, friendly and flexible people to deliver the personal service we are known for, whether customers are shopping in-store or buying online for home delivery.

"The work is fast-paced, varied and rewarding with the potential to learn a whole set of new skills.

"Many in the past have gone on to develop their career with us and progress to run a team, department or even store, helping to drive sales and deliver great customer service."

Successful applicants will be offered a minimum of ten hours a week - minimum of six hours for weekend staff - with the potential for some jobs to become permanent at the end of the season.