CIVIC chiefs in Burnley today welcomed the news that more than 250 new jobs are to be created in the town by home shopping firm Reality.

The Kingsway call centre, part of the GUS empire and one of Burnley's major employers, is to benefit from a decision to scrap a pilot scheme to divert calls to a centre in Bangalore, in India.

Since the scheme was set up on the sub-continent, some customers had complained about a poor level of service.

The company, now owned by March UK, has moved the jobs from Bangalore back to call centres in this country, including the one in Burnley.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "It is very welcome news. I supported the merger of GUS Reality mainly to try to secure the jobs on site.

"So it is good news to know that the firm is bringing in additional jobs."

Burnley Council leader Councillor Stuart Caddy said: "Bringing jobs back into the town is great news for Burnley.

"It helps the local economy, brings down the unemployment levels once again and shows a commitment from employers to come into Burnley.

"We, as a council, are committed to working with employers to bring jobs into the town, so this is wonderful news."

The firm currently employs more than 800.

Reality's recruitment manager, Chris Blackburn said: "The employment opportunities we are offering deal with customer inquiries, but for staff who show flair for the job there are a great deal of promotion opportunities."

Each new member of staff will be trained in a newly refurbished training room on site.