A SUPERMARKET chain has announced plans for a major expansion of a North-East store which could create up to 300 jobs.

Safeway has applied for planning permission to extend its superstore in Victoria Road, Darlington, increasing its size by 40 per cent.

If the borough council gives planning permission, the store will become one of the firm's new "Megastores", the first of which has just opened in Devon.

The development would see the Darlington store expanded to 55,000 sq ft, offering a range of new products and services.

These would centre around a hub, where customers can buy freshly cooked foods, such as pizzas, pasta, noodles, crepes and waffles.

New departments selling electrical and homeware goods would be added.

Other options include a pharmacy and beauty area.

A spokesman for Safeway said the extension would be built within the store's car park. However, 500 parking spaces would be retained.

He said: "It's very early days yet so we can't say exactly what the store will be like.

"If it goes ahead there will be the creation of more jobs. It could be between 200 and 300 jobs."