The store has been built on a prime town centre site

A new supermarket nearing completion in Gwynedd will create more than 150 jobs, the company has confirmed.

The jobs at the Tesco store in Porthmadog's town centre will be a mixture of full and part-time posts, providing a shot in the arm for the local economy.

The store has been built on a prime town centre site after Gwynedd Council agreed to sell the original Ysgol Eifion Wyn primary school.

It was sold on the understanding that Tesco would meet the cost of building both new school as well as the new store.

The replacement school, behind the supermarket, was officially opened by opera star Bryn Terfel in November.

Will Kitchener, Tesco's property communications manager, said: " We will create more than 150 new jobs for local people - a good mix of full time and part time - with a large percentage of the vacancies having been filled by Welsh-speaking staff."

'Boom time'

Porthmadog county councillor Ieuan Roberts welcomed the news saying he believed the supermarket could lead to a "boom time" for the town by attracting other big-name chain stores there.

"I think it is a wonderful thing for the town and from what I have heard, most of the jobs will be for young people which will help keep them in the area."

"Lidl are coming to the town as well now which will create another 20 jobs.

"There is talk of one or two others coming as well."

Mr Roberts said some local traders had originally voiced their opposition to the Tesco supermarket but many were now behind the move.

"Porthmadog is a very busy town and the Tesco, which is so near to the town centre, will bring more people here,"

The store is set to open on 19 January.