SHOPPERS in Melksham will soon benefit from a multi-million pound revamp of a major supermarket.

The £5m refurbishment programme has seen the store expand, increasing its floor space from 16,000 sq ft to 26,000 sq ft.

With 20,000 lines and many new departments, Sains-bury's has also taken on 50 extra staff, to cope with the expected demand.

Project manager Paul Davies said: "We will need people to man the new counters and a bigger store will require larger shifts."

The store's doors closed on Wednesday, allowing fitters to move in to put the finishing touches to its extension.

The ambitious re-fit has seen hundreds of people working around the clock to get it finished.

Work on the project started in January and is due to be completed on schedule.

Customers will be able to enjoy a new layout and improved facilities at the Bath Road store which will reopen next Thursday.

The new-look shop will include an extended sales area as well as other internal improvements including new fresh meat and fish counters.

There will be a host of changes to the ranges on offer, including improvements to the entertainment and grocery sections.

Mr Davies said: "It is part of a Sainsbury's project to reinvigorate all their stores, and everything has gone smoothly. The changes in Melksham will see the ranges increase and will create a nice, bright shop."

Supermarket bosses say they have worked closely with local residents, businesses and customers to ensure minimum disruption.

Store manager Jonathan Hunter said: "I am really looking forward to welcoming customers to see our fantastic new offering on June 5.

"We will be open from 9am ready to tempt you with our excellent new ranges."

The revamp at Melksham follows a similar project in Chippenham, where, earlier this year, a new-look Sainsbury's opened.

The £9m refurbishment saw the store double in size to 52,000 sq ft. With 33,000 extra lines and new departments such as designer clothing and a salad bar, the store took on 140 extra staff.