A MAJOR national retailer confirmed it hopes to open new premises in Hexham.

The Range, a home, leisure and garden retailer, confirmed it aims to open a store in Hexham in the future, although it refused to confirm when or where it will open.

Derek Kennedy, mayor of Hexham, said: "This is exciting news and we welcome the high-quality retailer The Range to our town and the jobs it brings. This shows Hexham is attractive to national retailers and that we have a sustainable retail offer for the people of the Tyne Valley."

Job vacancies are being advertised for positions including store manager, operations manager and multiple retail assistants.

Town and county councillor, Trevor Cessford, who represents the Gilesgate ward, said: "I am delighted that a major national retailer with over 210 stores in the UK and Ireland has decided to open new premises in Hexham. Although post-pandemic trading has transformed the way people shop, this clearly shows that there is confidence in the town."

Guy Opperman, Conservative party candidate for Hexham, said: "I am delighted with this news, to have such a well-known brand come into Hexham will create employment opportunities and improve footfall."

A spokesperson for the Range said: "We’re looking to open a new The Range store in Hexham sometime in the future.  We’re currently working through the detail and will be revealing plans later this year."