A HIGH street fashion giant is expected to create more than 120 jobs when it opens a new branch this autumn.

Next will open a store at the Middlebrook retail park, selling women's, men's and children's clothes.

The outlet is expected to open in September at a site either side of the mall leading up to the Warner Brothers cinema, previously occupied by the Spirit of St Louis and Mamma Amalfi.

But Next chiefs stress that their branch in The Market Place Shopping Centre in Bolton will not close.

Various work shifts will also be on offer at the new Middlebrook branch which might stay open until 10pm. Talks are under way to establish trading hours.

Shopping in Bolton has already received a boost this year.

The town centre TK Maxx store, selling discounted designer clothing, homeware and gifts, opened in The Gates Shopping Centre last month. More than 60 positions were filled immediately.

And latest figures have revealed an 11 per cent increase in shoppers at The Crompton Place Shopping Centre over the past year.

More than 9.14 million shoppers visited last year, compared with 8.23 million the year before.

The Market Place also reported a six per cent visitor increase last year -- with an estimated 9,000 shoppers each week.

A recruitment evening for vacant positions at the new Next store will be held at Horwich Job Centre on Tuesday, June 11 from 5pm and 8pm.

Managers will conduct interviews at the Jobcentre on Tuesday, June 18 and Tuesday, June 25 from 6pm to 9pm.

For applications and to book an appointment for the recruitment evening, contact 516700.