LAKELAND Limited, the award-winning home and kitchenware retailer, says it will create around 100 new full-time jobs over the next five years if plans for a major £5 million redevelopment at its head office in Windermere are approved by Lake District planners.

The scheme has been warmly greeted by economic development chiefs, who hail it as a welcome shot in the arm for the area.

Richard Greenwood, economy and development manager at South Lakeland District Council, said: "It's great to see one of our local indigenous companies expanding.

Although the current level of unemployment in Windermere is fairly small, this development may help to retain some of the financial and customer care skills that are draining out of the area at the moment."

SPORTS giant JJB Sports is to open a new superstore on the retail park off Queen Katherine Avenue, Kendal.

The 17,000 square-feet store is planned to open in mid-November and will stock an extensive line of sportswear as well as a bicycle and golf range.

Media Buyer for JJB Sports Sarah Topping said that the company's Finkle Street outlet will be unaffected by the opening of the superstore.