M&S stores to create 250 jobs

Company will open 10 new stores in the province

Marks and Spencer is to create up to 250 jobs in Northern Ireland with the opening of a new range of stores.

Ten foodstores are to be opened throughout the province over the next three years.

It is thought three sites will be located in the Greater Belfast area with the remainder on High Streets in larger towns.

Each of the stores, which will carry the company's Simply Food format, will employ 25 people.

Offering a range of ready meals supplemented by convenience foods, in-store bakery, wines and newspapers, the stores have performed well in other areas of the UK.

The company's divisional executive in Northern Ireland, Graham Sorah said: "Marks & Spencer is delighted to play a part in the further economic development of Northern Ireland.

"The Simply Food format is an exciting new concept for Marks & Spencer in Northern Ireland and we look forward to introducing it to our customer base here."