MORE than 100 jobs will be created when a supermarket opens in two months' time.

Sainsbury's new store in Newcastle is almost complete and should be ready for its first customers by early November.

About 130 staff will transfer from the existing supermarket in Ryecroft, and the company is now in the process of filling a further 100 positions.

The store, in Liverpool Road, will be twice the size of the old one.

Joanne Jones, human resources manager at the store, said: "The vacancies are across all areas of the store, such as the counters.

"So far, we've recruited around 60 people, with 40 already undergoing training at other stores in the area."

Once the store is open, Sainsbury's will be looking to recruit a further 50 temporary staff to help it cope with the Christmas rush.

One of the store's new arrivals is store manager Anthony Clegg, pictured below.

Mr Clegg has worked for Sainsbury's since 1987, and since then has managed six stores, including most recently the company's supermarket in Warrington.

He said: "The new store here is going to be fantastic. It will be completely different to the old store, with a much better offer to the customer."

Mr Clegg was joined by members and officers from Newcastle Borough Council on a tour of the site yesterday.

Newcastle College vacated the site late last year after transferring to its new campus in Knutton Lane.

The work has led to complaints from nearby residents, such as dust covering their properties.

Cross Heath ward councillor John Williams was told by Sainsbury's and its contractors yesterday that they would look at restitution for these issues once the scheme was nearing completion.

The council has announced its intention to buy the old Sainsbury's site once the new store is up and running.

Cabinet members hope this will safeguard the regeneration of the area.