A TOWN centre supermarket is to receive a £2m facelift and take on 50 extra staff to increase its appeal to shoppers.

An extensive makeover of the Asda store in St Andrew's Lane, Spennymoor, starts this month in a bid to become more customer-friendly.

The eight-week transformation scheme, in response to customer surveys earlier this year, will see the George clothing range extended and new music, video and home and leisure departments created.

The check-outs and kiosk at the front of the store will be refitted, aisles will be widened.

The work will be the first major refurbishment of the store since it was built on the site of former Bessemer Park council flats' car park 15 years ago.

Store manager Neil Tynemouth said: "We have listened to our customers and will be making our aisles wider, and, while the work is underway we will have dedicated colleagues in store, their sole duty being to aid customers. This development is fantastic and not only are we improving what we are offering our customers, the new jobs mean our customer service will be second to none."

Deputy manager Pat Robinson hopes the improvements will pull more custom into the town centre and encourage residents to shop on their doorsteps.

She said: "We see ourselves as part of the community of Spennymoor and hopefully our improvements will not only increase our trade but also boost the town centre as a whole."

Wendy Benson, town centre manager, added: "It is very encouraging to see Asda investing so much in their Spennymoor store.

"The town's retail offer is becoming very competitive and will be strengthened further with the opening of Farmfoods, in Festival Walk, later this year. Alongside the larger stores, it is also pleasing to see independent businesses being attracted to the centre."