A YORKSHIRE-based retailer is to create new jobs by moving into the vacant Woolworths store in Leek after weeks of negotiations.

Contracts to take over the store were exchanged last Thursday between agents acting on behalf of the owners and the Yorkshire Trading Company.

A spokesman for the agents Jones, Lang and Lasalle, said completion was expected within the next six weeks.

The reopening of the landmark town centre store will bring an added attraction to the town's retail sector and much needed jobs to the area.

Yorkshire Trading Company specialise in clothing and sell an extensive range of items including household goods.

They have stores all over major towns in Yorkshire as well as Durham and Northumberland. The company also sells Rydale clothing which is exclusive to them.

Town centre co-ordinator, Mike Cozens, said: "This is great news for the town.

"It is good that we have attracted such an excellent store as a suitable replacement for Woolworths.

"Yorkshire Trading Company will bring a nice addition to the retail sector of the town and also some job opportunities.

"Leek is presently on top of the list of towns which is filling shops and all business are holding up well in this difficult financial climate."

Leader of the Moorlands council, Sybil Ralphs, also welcomed the news that the key town centre location will be back in operation. She added: "It will be an attractive replacement for the former Woolworths store.

"People will continue to shop in Leek because they know that they will get excellent service and value for money.

"Leek is a town where traders want to come."

Councillor Andrew Hart, who has the responsibility for regeneration on the Moorlands council, said: "This business will do well in Leek and also give a big boost to the town.

"It is welcome news for the Moorlands that we have an attractive and well known brand coming to Leek."

The Woolworths store in Derby Street closed down on Tuesday, December 30.

The Leek store was one of the most profitable Woolworths' branches in the country and exceeded sales targets by £30,000

Since then, representatives from a number of major stores have been given a guided tour of the three storey building at the bottom of the Market Place.

On the internet the stores owned by Yorkshire Trading Company are advertised as selling a vast range of products including clothes, household goods, garden equipment, paint, tools, stationary, cards, sweets, and ornaments.

No-one from the company was available for comment.