COMPANIES have been urged to register online to compete for sub-contracts in the construction of a new store.

The Sainsbury's supermarket in Biddulph is scheduled to be completed before Christmas with the creation of 250 jobs.

Now Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has reached an agreement with main contractor VINCI to award contracts to local companies where possible.

VINCI has said local firms will be considered for sub-contracts worth £50,000 or less providing they have registered with the Build Up North Staffordshire website at www.buildup-ns.org.uk

Sub-contracts will be awarded by the end of March.

Meanwhile, Kidsgrove Job Centre is building up a database of people seeking work on the construction project.

Councillor Andrew Hart, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: ""I am delighted that VINCI has met our request to consider local firms as potential sub-contractors.

"It is now up to our firms to make the most of the opportunities available."