A MASSIVE mill shop extension is set to open next week providing a welcome jobs boost to Pendle.

The home furnishings, glass and china department of Boundary Mill in Colne will create up to 100 new full and part-time jobs and allow other departments to expand within the existing premises.

The new extension, between the existing building and the Asda superstore, will officially open on April 19.

Boundary Mill has grown from strength to strength in recent years, attracting coachloads of visitors every day.

It is set to expand nationally as well with a second store in Grantham, Lincolnshire, opening a few days after the Colne extension and other sites being considered.

Company spokesman Jill Laws said: "Most of the new jobs have already been filled.

"It brings the workforce in Colne to around 400 people.

"We think we're the biggest operation of its kind under one roof in the country.

"This extension allows us to branch out into china and glass and gives us more room to expand the clothing and footwear in the original building.

"We're now looking for other suitable sites elsewhere in the country. We try to keep away from the big cities and towns so we don't affect our suppliers' High Street trade.

"A visit to Boundary Mill is a day out for many of our customers and we have a restaurant and other facilities to keep them occupied."

Managing director and owner Richard Bannister took over the reins of the company 13 years ago and has seen it become ever more popular with shoppers.

The mill store offers branded goods at discount prices. The items are clearance stock from last season's ranges.

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