MORE than 200 jobs will be created when a DIY store opens next year.

The B&Q store, on the Cleveland Retail Park, Skippers Lane, South Bank, near Middlesbrough, will employ 240 staff and management, with over half in full-time employment.

The 153,000 sq ft development, which will open on February 13, is expected to attract 18,000 customers a week and generate £20m in its first trading year. Staff recruitment will begin in September

Councillors, council officers and community groups from Redcar and Cleveland were given a presentation on plans for the store this week.

B&Q's new stores manager James Greaves told the meeting: "We're not another faceless, multi-national store for your borough - we're very, very community minded."

He outlined the company's 'better neighbour' policies. These include: developing sustainable transport with car-sharing; encouraging cycling to work; no 4am deliveries and grants and donations available for community groups.

Councillor Mark Hannon, chairman of the council's overview and scrutiny committee, said the authority welcomed B&Q.

"They are bringing real jobs to the areas of high unemployment and we hope as many local people as possible can take advantage of the forthcoming employment opportunities," he said.