A DISCOUNT supermarket chain is expanding by opening stores in two County Durham towns.

German company Aldi plans to take over former Kwik Save stores in Front Street, Consett, and Watling Road, Bishop Auckland.

The firm says it will invest £8m in the project and is seeking planning permission to rebuild the Bishop Auckland site and re-fit the building at Consett.

A spokeswoman said it could be six months before the new stores opened and that it was too early to say how many people would be employed.