COMPUTER giant the Time group has chosen Burnley town centre to test out a new store format ahead of its planned opening of a series of stores across the country.

The retail chain Computer World, which is owned by Simonstone-based Time group, has opened the new shop in St James Street.

The company aims to open 150 stores nationally and is using the Burnley store to test out the new format of selling both PCs and associated goods together.

Time recently bought out one of its biggest rivals, Tiny computers, in a £20million deal aimed at becoming the UK's leading computer retailer, which was expected to create some 100 jobs.

The shop has some 3,000 PC technology items and separate showroom environments for Time and Tiny computers.

Colin Middlemiss from the Time group, said: "We are investing in training all the Computer World staff to make sure that they know what they are talking about. That way customers can take advantage of not only the nest prices, but the best advice as well. We are glad that we are able to do this in Burnley, as its our home base."