A MAJOR high street retailer is creating 21 new jobs in Darlington when it moves to larger premises next month.

New Look, a women's fashion chain, is moving from its shop in Northgate to the former Everyone Wants store in the Cornmill Centre, after the company went into liquidation.

As a result of the move, New Look is increasing its floor space from 1,770 to 7,000 sq ft, with an additional 3,000 sq ft of stock space.

Darlington Jobcentre is holding an open day on Wednesday for prospective new members of staff to meet New Look managers, who hope to recruit 21 full and part-time workers for the posts of shop assistants, administrative assistant, stock room assistants, supervisor and visual merchandiser.

Shop manager Sue Oliver said: "I'm really excited about the move. The phone hasn't stopped ringing since we announced it, with people wanting to know about the jobs, and various other things.

"This move will enable us to compete better with some of the other fashion outlets.

"We will be taking all our 13 members of staff across to the new shop, and eventually we will have 34 people working there. The pace of the New Look business is very fast so we are looking for people who are enthusiastic and can keep up with it."

Clare Kay, of the Jobcentre, said: "We have already had five applications for the job, and the advert has only just been put up.

"There are a range of jobs available, both full-time and part-time. Some of them require experience but I believe New Look is willing to train its shop and stock room assistants."

New Look hopes the extra floor space will enable it to compete better with some of the other high-street retailers, including Top Shop, Next and Evans.

A host of extra sizes and ranges will be introduced in the new store, including a range for size 16 women and over and trouser lengths ranging from 28 inches to 34 inches leg measurements.

Dozens more shoe designs will be introduced thanks to the increased floor space, and there will be a special range for nine to 15 year-olds.

The job open day will be held at the Darlington Jobcentre Plus on Wednesday between 10.30am and 3.30pm.