CLOTHES retailer Matalan says it is to create more than 2,200 new jobs as part of its store expansion programme during 2002.

Of these 2,000 new jobs will be within the 20 new stores Matalan is opening this year, creating an additional 705,000 sq ft of trading space.

A further 40 jobs will be created within Matalan's distribution centres, to support the store expansion programme.

And in addition, 200 new jobs will be created following the planned re-site of five existing Matalan stores to larger premises during 2002.

This could include the Swindon branch, presently just off the Mannington roundabout on Great Western Way, if it moves to the Greenbridge site occupied by Homebase.

The jobs on offer will include store managers, supervisors, sales assistants and stock assistants. Information on management posts can be found at www.matalan.co.uk. Enquiries for other jobs should be made at a local jobcentreplus.

Of the 20 stores planned this year, nine have already opened during 2002 in: Leytonstone, Blackburn, Waterlooville, Northwich, St Albans, Enfield, Knaresborough, Bristol Brislington and Worksop.

A further 11 new stores will open during the remainder of the year in: Rhyl, Truro, Sheffield, Stockport, Darlington, Dumfries, Livingston, Liverpool, Manchester Openshaw, Southport and one other to be confirmed.

One new resited store has already opened in Kings Lynn creating 60 new jobs, and a further four re-sites are planned in the remainder of the year that will create another 140 jobs, in Halifax, Sunderland, Bangor and one other to be confirmed.

Paul Mason, Matalan's chief executive says: "We're delighted to be growing our team at Matalan.

"Our new store expansion programme means more and more customers will have access to a wide range of quality Matalan fashion and homewares on their doorstep."