FIFTY new jobs are being created by East Lancashire computer giant The Time Group at its Simonstone base.

The firm is increasing manufacturing operations following the expansion of its Computer Shop stores and new orders with supermarkets and high street retail chains.

Time started off as a single corner shop store in Blackburn but now boasts over 130 stores throughout the UK. The company, headed by tycoon Tahir Mohsan, said its growth was set to continue and would increase the number of stores to 180 by this time next year.

Time Computers hit problems in 2001 and made hundreds of people redundant and closed a number of stores. Last year, it bought out its rival Tiny Computers, relaunched its retail sites and is now the UK's largest computer manufacturer.

In March this year though, The Asian Xpress Rich List 2003 estimated that Mr Mohsan had more than £100million wiped off his personal fortune over the past three years and was currently worth just £70million. However, the firm said increased demand following the re-launch of the shops has meant the Time Group was looking to add to its 1,000-strong workforce in the run up to its peak trading period.

Both permanent and temporary manufacturing vacancies are available.

There are also a number of other opportunities in administration, sales and customer care at the head office, one mile from junction eight of the M65. Jonathan Barron, of the Time Group, said: "We are organising group interviews as soon as possible."

Mr Barron said that overtime is available up to Christmas and the company will give recruits the opportunity to work up to 55 hours a week and earn in excess of £300 hours a week. Interested applicants should call Jonathan on 01282 770044, extension 1333, for an initial interview or e-mail jonathan.baron@timecomputers.com