MORE than 200 jobs will be created when a new County Durham supermarket opens in six weeks time.

Asda yesterday announced the creation of 230 additional posts in its 40,000sq ft Bishop Auckland store, set to open on Monday, November 11.

The store, in South Church Road, is part of a £20m investment by the company in the town which replaces the Asda store in Newgate shopping centre, which was built in 1983.

The development brings a double boost for jobseekers as more than 100 jobs could be created when the existing store is refurbished and a new retailer moves in.

Speculation over who will take over the revamped site in the mall points towards home and gardens stores chain Wilkinson.

A spokesperson told The Northern Echo: "The company would welcome the opportunity of opening in Bishop Auckland. However, we cannot comment on any specific site or scheme at this time."

Mandy Reeves, Asda's Bishop Auckland store personnel manager, said the firm had received 1,500 applications and had already appointed most of the new staff.

She said: "All our colleagues from the old store are transferring to work in the new store so already we have a fantastic base of workers.

"We have now recruited nearly all our new colleagues and they are a great bunch of people.

"We have been overwhelmed with the response we have had from locals.

"As well as good rates of pay, a discount card, maternity and paternity leave and many other benefits, Asda offers its colleagues excellent training and skills development and a very positive working environment."

The new Asda will include a delicatessen and bakery counter, fish counter, rotisserie, photography shop, optician's, the George clothing range, electrical goods, toys and home furnishings.

General manager Dave Burn, is confident shoppers are going to like what they see.

He said: "The new store will be bigger and better and will bring Asda's famous everyday low price on a whole host of new products. We will have the same friendly faces our customers know and love along with a few new ones who will make Asda Bishop Auckland the best supermarket in town.