UP to 70 jobs could be created by a supermarket expansion.

Tesco has submitted a planning application to Richmondshire District Council to extend its store in Catterick Garrison.

If approved, the supermarket firm aims to add more space for new products, build a new caf at first-floor level and extend the car park by an extra 38 spaces. Will Kitchener, Tesco property communications manager, said the expansion would create up to 70 jobs.

He said: "The extra floorspace will enable us to offer the local consumer, ranges which shoppers in other towns currently enjoy.

"The store will, however, remain primarily a food store and the level of additional floorspace devoted to non-food items - such as car care, luggage and mobile phones - will be minimal.

"The extension to the store would reflect the contemporary style of the building and would be clad in similar materials to maintain uniformity of design."

The proposed expansion would see the sales area of the store increase from 35,769sq ft to 47,529sq ft, with space also being created at the back for extra storage.

If the proposal is approved by the council's environment and planning committee, Tesco aims to have the work completed by late 2006, or early 2007.