A NUMBER of jobs which will be created in Stourport when a new superstore opens will go to the "long-term unemployed".

Supermarket giant Tesco is due to open its Severn Road store at the end of September or the beginning of October and hopes to create 200 new jobs in the town and has ring-fenced 60 of them to be offered to those who have been out of work for six months or more through the Job Centre Plus.

The store will be part of the company's regeneration partnership scheme.

Tesco corporate affairs manager Simon Petar said: "We are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to the long-term unemployed, who often just need a lucky break to get on.

"The jobs and training we offer are unrivaled and, above all else, we look for attitude and aptitude rather than qualifications. I would urge anyone interested who has been unemployed for six months or more to contact the Job Centre Plus so they can advise on the process."