TESCO in Worcester Road, Evesham is set to close this Saturday until next Thursday when the new superstore opens on the same site.

More than 200 full and part time jobs have been created at the new £8m store, which is due to open its doors to shoppers at 8am on November 18.

Store manager, Kevin Wright said it would take four days to dismantle the temporary store.

He said: "We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience of not having a Tesco at all for a few days but it would be too dangerous to take the temporary store down while customers were driving in and out to the new one. We wouldn't have enough car parking spaces to accommodate them either."

He added: "The store has brought a lot of jobs to the area and I feel this will benefit the town of Evesham in the long term."

The temporary store was erected in July amidst controversy after it was discovered the construction went up without planning permission. Wychavon District Council later passed the plans.

As work commenced in mid-July on the site, a contractor fell through the roof of the old store while helping to demolish it. He was taken to hospital but later sent home to recover.

Now the huge new store, which is roughly double the size of the old one, is to open next Thursday with a bottle of champagne waiting at each checkout for the first customers. The official opening will take place at 10am.

In addition to the extensive food range, the new store will include a variety of counters and non-food departments including hot chicken counter, hot deli counter, fresh bakery, clothing and electrical departments.

Mr Wright said: "Everyone here is very excited about the opening of the store.

"We have something for all the family and everybody is very welcome."