TESCO and the Glasdon Group have been given Government blessing for major plans to expand their Marton sites, creating up to 150 new jobs.

The news means that Tesco will be able to convert its store into the largest in the North West and one of the largest in the country, adapting the highly successful Tesco Extra Hypermarket format.

The store's expansion, made possible by buying land from nearby Glasdon, will help the environmental products manufacturer to meet its own expansion plans by building additional factory and office premises on the remainder of the site. This will not only safeguard the existing 185 jobs but also create another 50 jobs.

Since it was founded nearly 40 years ago, Glasdon has grown into one of the UK's largest producers of environmental and safety products and its exports now account for 25 per cent of Blackpool's output.

Tesco spokesman Shaun Edgeley said: "We think our plans offer a tremendous opportunity for both Blackpool and Tesco.

"We will provide a significant number of new, permanent, non-seasonal jobs and a fantastic 21st century shopping experience for our customers, as well as allowing a long-established local manufacturing company to expand at its current premises."

He welcomed the Government's removal of the uncertainty caused by a possible public inquiry.

Glasdon Group development executive John Lloyd added: "We are delighted. We have always been keen to preserve and protect our historical association with Blackpool for the long term. This allows us to implement our plans for future expansion."

The scheme will now go before Blackpool Council for planning consent.