SCANDINAVIAN food giant Netto has announced plans to open a discount supermarket in Burnley.

The scheme would create up to 25 local jobs as well as boosting the local economy, according to the project managers.

It would be the latest in a line of discount chains in the town, which already include KwikSave, Farmfoods and Aldi.

The firm plans to move onto an empty one acre site on Queen's Lancashire Way, near the junction with Westgate.

The plans, however, have yet to go before Burnley Borough Council's planning committee, expected to happen in May.

Netto already has stores in both Blackburn and Accrington, which was destroyed in an arson attack last year, but has since re-opened.

The planned development, which would also include car parking for up to 60 vehicles, has won the approval of Burnley and District Chamber of Trade, who said it should help bring money to the area.

Secretary Rita Walsh said: "We have discussed the proposals at our meetings and although we were slightly surprised that another supermarket chain is planning to move into the area, the general feeling is that Netto would be welcome.

"Something needs to be done with the site and I'm sure the company would not move here if they felt they could not make a profit.

"Hopefully it should help regenerate the land and bring in some money to the area."

Giles Berry, a director of Bolton-based Citypark Projects, who are in charge of the plans on behalf of Netto, said: "The development will be a small local discount supermarket which will stock well known brands at low prices. It should go down really well in the area."

Tesco's have announced their new Burnley superstore should be open by the autumn.