High street retail giant, Marks and Spencer, is to open a new branch in Preston next summer.

The high street chain plans to open a store at Deepdale Retail Park and a substantial number of jobs are expected to be created.

It will be located in either the PC World or Curry's unit following the relocation of both these stores, in late November, to the site of the former Focus DIY store, Blackpool Road. Company bosses say there are no plans to close its existing store, in Fishergate, Preston and said the new branch will be the first in the area to open under the retail chain's new signature style, offering a Cafe Revive Coffee Shop as well as fashion and homeware goods.

It is understood the new 16,000 sq ft 'out-of-town' store will focus mainly on the company's fashion brand and bosses say the new outlet will be designed to complement the city centre shop.

Graeme Pallant, Marks and Spencer regional manager, said: "We are delighted to be opening a new store at Preston Deepdale, which is an extremely accessible shopping destination.

"It is the perfect place for us to be increasing our offer for our Preston customers and it is really exciting to be creating even more jobs for the area."

As one of Preston's four retail parks Deepdale, off Blackpool Road, is one of the biggest and has a number of well-known names including Boots, Next, WH Smith, Hobby Craft, Toys R Us, JJB Sports, Curry's and PC World. Book shop Borders will also open a new store at Deepdale next month.

Julia Horn, of Preston Chamber of Trade, said although the new Marks and Spencer store was a plus for Preston, it was unfortunate that it had to be located out of the city centre.

"It is really good news for Preston because the site at Fishergate is quite small," Mrs Horn added. "It's a shame it will be away from the city centre but until they city centre planners start offering more floor space in the city centre that's what retailers have to do to create a big store."