A MAJOR expansion programme creating 500 new computer jobs in East Lancashire's 'Silicon Valley' has been unveiled.

Granville Technology - the firm behind Time Computers - is looking to take on the new staff at its Simonstone headquarters by the end of the year.

Around 200 will be recruited for the firm's computer assembly section with the rest in customer care and technical services departments.

The firm is one of the country's fastest growing companies and already employs almost 2,000 people across the country, including 1,000 at Simonstone.

The firm is planning to stage careers open days at the site next week to attract potential employees.

"Due to the massive growth of the company we need to greatly expand our workforce," said Richard Harris, human resources manager at Granville.

"The idea behind the open days is that anyone considering a career with us can just turn up and be guaranteed an interview."

In addition to the head office jobs, the firm is in the process of recruiting more than 450 sales staff for its 120-strong showroom network.

Time was founded in 1987 by consultant paediatrician Dr Tariq Mohammed, who used a computer to calculate feed dosages for his patients.

He decided to see if there was a market for selling PCs by mail order by advertising one for sale in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. He later set up a shop in Preston New Road, Blackburn, before the firm moved to Devonport Road and then Simonstone.

He and his brother Tahir Mohsan, now managing director of the group, have amassed a personal fortune estimated at tens of millions from the company's success.

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