A LEADING UK travel agent which aims to set up three new stores each week in the run-up to Christmas is to open in Burnley as part of the plan.

Travel Choice and Holiday Hypermarket, which is the distribution arm of First Choice Holidays plc, will open one of 50 news shops in the town.

Manchester-based businessman John Wimbleton, managing director of First Choice, said the move is aimed at boosting the travel industry.

He said the new shops would create hundreds of jobs.

"It is great news for the region and the local economy."

Travel Choice will also open in Blackpool, Rochdale, Stockport and St Helen's over the next three months.