One of the country’s fastest growing retailers is to take over the former Woolworths site at Chorley’s Market Walk shopping centre.

B&M Bargains is to open a branch next month at the prime location, which has been empty since Woolies closed its doors for the final time in December.

Work has already begun in fitting out the store which has the largest floorspace in the centre and provides an important pedestrian link between the bus and rail stations and Market Walk.

The store measures approximately 21,000 sqft and the company has signed a 15-year lease.

Several jobs will be created although a figure on the exact number to be employed has not been given.

Pat Duckett, centre manager at Market Walk, Chorley said that other major chains had been interested in the site.

He added: “This store will be a great addition to Market Walk, promising shoppers an even wider range of products.

“B&M Bargains beat off stiff competition from two other significant leading national retailers for the unit.

“We expect this new store on Market Walk to significantly drive footfall to not only the centre but Chorley as a whole.”

Blackpool-based B&M Bargains sell a range of items including food, toys, clothes, home ware and electrical items.

The company has been established for more than 30 years and is now one of the UK's fastest growing retailers, attracting over a million weekly shoppers.

It currently has 102 stores and last year achieved a turnover in excess of £150M.

The store is expected to open in July.

Councillor Peter Malpas, Chorley Council's executive member for business, said: “This is great news for Chorley.

“The former Woolworths store is a key location in the town centre because of its size and the fact that it provides a direct link with the interchange for buses and trains.

"We look forward to seeing the shop unit re-opened and I'm sure it will provide a boost to the town centre."