PLANS for a new supermarket which could create 200 jobs in a former pit town were submitted yesterday.

Agents behind the development proposed for the centre of Willington, near Crook, County Durham, said several major supermarket operators were interested in the 300,000 square foot store.

The supermarket and a 180-space car park are proposed for the site of former care home Albion House, which was demolished in the 1980s.

Since then the land has been used as a green, car park and recycling area.

Town councillor Joe Buckham, who is also the vice-chairman of Willington Community Action, said the supermarket would be a "huge boost" to the town.

Currently the town has a Co-op store and several independent retailers with the nearest large supermarkets six miles away in Bishop Auckland.

He said: "It will be a good thing to have another supermarket in Willington as competition is always healthy.

"We sit on the route through to the Durham Dales so having a decent car park and supermarket will attract more visitors to stop, who in turn will spend in the local shops.

"We will also be encouraging more people to stay in Willington."

Coun Buckham said some of the land was granted to the town by King George V to mark his jubilee in 1936.

He said: "That land needs to be looked after, but early plans seem to show it could be incorporated into a garden on the site."

The biggest benefit would be the jobs, according to Coun Buckham.

He said: "It will be a huge boost for employment in the town and will be bringing 200 jobs into one of the most deprived rural areas in the country."

Marcus Jolly, a director of planning agency Limes Developments, said the plans had been well received by residents when they were revealed earlier in the year.

He said yesterday's submission to Durham County Council marked a big milestone and, should permission be given, work would be expected to start early next year.