ABOUT 40 temporary jobs are being created at the Darlington branch of Marks and Spencer for Christmas.

Applicants can undergo a 20-minute telephone interview by calling a hotline.

Elaine Smith, manager of the store, said: "Marks and Spencer is an amazing place to be in the run-up to Christmas, but that does not mean it is easy.

"We need people who can build an instant rapport with customers, no matter how busy the store, and who will be flexible enough to support their colleagues in whatever way is necessary."

Sarah Steel, who has worked at the Northgate store each Christmas for the past seven years while she was a student, has returned to take up a permanent position in the human resources department.

The chain is recruiting 650 seasonal staff in the North-East to cover extended opening hours and the increased demand over Christmas.

Anyone interested can call the Marks and Spencer hotline on 0845 309 6001.