TWO of Ledbury's biggest employers have announced plans to create up to 50 new jobs.

Rank-Hovis-Macdougall (RHM), which owns Robertson's Ledbury Preserves off Little Marcle Road, is investing £2m as it looks to start producing Atora Suet in May.

Spokesman Lara David-Jones said: "Robertson's Ledbury Preserves is currently recruiting staff for the 30 jobs that have been created."

Booming Dymock Road company Meadow Cheese, which employs 48 workers, is also planning to expand and will take on up to 20 new employees in 2002.