ONE of the UK’s largest retailers will open its sixth store in East Lancashire this weekend.

Home Bargains will officially unveil its second outlet in Nelson at 8am on Saturday, which is expected to create up to 40 new jobs.

The company, which already has a store in Nelson's Pendle Rise shopping centre, has invested £5million into the creation of the new shop.

Nelson councillor Mohammed Iqbal, the former leader of Pendle Council, said: "It will be a real boost for the town centre."

The new outlet has been built on the site of the former Tesco superstore, on Leeds Road, which closed in August 2010 after being in operation for just two years.

The site was empty for several years before the national retailer decided to buy it in 2017.

Pendle Council leader Paul White said the opening of the 26,500 sq ft shop as great news for the town.

He said: "We welcome any investment into the borough but particularly Nelson, where that investment is needed.

"As a council we are looking at creating a masterplan to regenerate some of Nelson to make it fit for the future.

"Anything that brings new jobs to the area is great news and it is good to see retailers moving into the town at a time when it is particularly challenging for them."

Cllr Iqbal added: "Over the last year the council has been working hard to get Home Bargains to acquire that site.

"It will be a real boost for Nelson town centre and shows the hard work is now coming into fruition.

"It is an iconic site and I look forward to being there for the opening on Saturday."

The Leeds Road store is the latest Home Bargains to open in East Lancashire with others located in Accrington, Rawtenstall and Burnley.

Home Bargain's newest store will offer shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks.

Joe Morris, operations director at Home Bargains, added: “Leeds Road will be a great location for us and we’re proud to be able to offer local people top-branded goods at exceptionally low prices.”