ONE of the UK's leading clothing and homewares retailers has announced a massive jobs boost in the run-up to Christmas.

Matalan, which has outlets in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and Colne, is taking on 1,200 temporary staff at its 170 stores to cope with the Christmas rush.

Around 30 staff are expected to be taken on in East Lancashire and applicants are advised to pop into their local store for more details. The company, based in Skelmersdale, has included details about the recruitment drive in the mail it regularly sends out to its customers advertising special offers and promotions.