THE North-East's newest department store is due to open in December, creating 229 jobs at one of the region's prime shopping sites.

The Primark store will take over revamped premises formerly occupied by C&A in Northumberland Street, Newcastle, with all staff expected in place by early November.

On-site training will take place. The details of all posts offered are available at the city centre Jobcentre in Market Street. The Employment Service will be recruiting all staff.

Michael Savage, senior business manager for the Employment Service, said: "This is the first store that Primark has established on Tyneside, and because the revamped premises are not yet ready, we are very happy to help provide interview facilities in the Jobcentre.

"We often work very closely with employers in this way to help them recruit their entire team of staff, especially when they are new to the area."

Fiona Cottle, Primark personnel manager said: "We are delighted to be opening a store in the centre of Newcastle, especially as the city is one of the UK's key shopping centres, attracting tens of thousands of shoppers every week."

The family fashion store has a range of full and part-time posts from supervisers to retail operatives. To find out more, call 0191-220 8925.