UP to 70 jobs could be created if a supermarket's plans to expand are approved.

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

If given the go-ahead, the firm aims to add more space for new products, build a cafe at first floor level and extend the car park by an extra 38 spaces.

Will Kitchener, Tesco property communications manager, said: "The extra floorspace will enable us to offer the local consumer, ranges that 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 - would 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 development has been welcomed by community leaders.

Coun Peter Wood, a ward councillor for nearby Colburn, said: "I think it says a lot about the success of the supermarket that it has had to expand so soon after opening.

"I think this will be a good thing for everybody - especially as it will create jobs."

Coun Tony Pelton, of Catterick, said: "The people of Richmondshire will get a better service than they had before.

"My only concern is that Tesco has not proposed to make any alterations to the traffic arrangements.

"It's a wonder no one has been knocked down yet - it's chaotic and needs to be sorted out."

The proposed expansion would see the sales area of the store increase from 35,000sq ft to 47,000sq ft.

Supermarket bosses estimate an extra 70 full and part-time jobs would be created by the new development.

The proposal will now be considered by the council's environment and planning committee, possibly next month.

If the plans are approved, Tesco hopes to have the work completed by late 2006 or early 2007. The store opened in April 2000.