SUPERMARKET group Asda is opening a clothing store in the region as part of its aggressive expansion plans announced yesterday.

The UK's second biggest grocer said it is to launch a 10,000sq ft George clothing store in Middlesbrough later this year, creating 30 jobs.

A spokesman for the group said: "It is likely that we have a site already in mind but I am not able to say where that is."

Asda recently submitted a planning application to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to rebuild its supermarket in South Bank.

Yesterday's announcement forms part of Asda's plans to open 25 stores throughout 2006 and create 7,000 jobs.

The first of its new stores will open in Lancashire, on Monday.

The group is also preparing to open the first of its new format stores, Asda Essentials - a discount chain stocking 95 per cent of Asda own brands - in Northampton, at the end of next month.

Judith McKenna, Asda's chief financial officer, said: "Our 2006 store and investment programme further demonstrates our commitment to flexible formats, mixed use and re-generation schemes, enabling us to create an increasing number of jobs across the UK."

A spokeswoman said 6,000 jobs were created through expansion last year. Plans for 2006 also include new stores at Huntly, Feltham, Newton Abbot, Rushden and Alloa.

The first non-food store, Asda Living, will open in Glasgow in spring and a George high street stores will also open in Southend.