A FAMILY butcher has announced an £825,000 package of improvements that will safeguard up to 230 jobs.

MI Dicksons, in South Shields, is to extend its factory and head offices and open more shops.

The extension will allow Dicksons to expand further into the wholesale market. The opening of more shops will bring its number of retail outlets to 20, creating about a dozen jobs.

Managing director Michael Dickson said: "The proposals are to expand the western end of our current factory area by 25 per cent to ensure we maintain the high standards that our customers expect. Much of what we are to provide is necessary because of the growing expectations of customers, legislation and our own dedication to providing the highest standards.

"What we are proposing will improve our existing facilities and we hope to be able to prepare a second phase to follow on once we have completed this current programme." The factory, in the Middlefields Industrial Estate, will have a cold storage facility and a chill area.

Dicksons has been awarded a Regional Selective Assistance grant of £120,000 from regional development agency One NorthEast to help protect and create jobs in the factory, and a £46,000 grant from South Tyneside Council towards the retail expansion.

Margaret Fay, chairwoman of One NorthEast, said: "Dicksons is a major employer in South Tyneside and we are glad to be able to help secure existing jobs at the company at a critical time in its history."