ABOUT 220 jobs are set to be created when B&Q's giant new superstore on the Isle of Wight opens in July.

Up to 80 full-time and 140 part-time positions will be created at the store at Medina Way in Newport when building work on the store is completed.

News of the massive jobs boost was first revealed in the Daily Echo last year. When the megastore opens there will be on sale about 40,000 products stretching over a mile and a half of aisles.

A number of staff have already been recruited but further work is available with opportunities in all departments including checkout staff, night crew and customer advisers on the shop floor.

Jobs are also on offer for skilled "trade experts" with practical experience in home improvement. Plumbers willing to take the plunge, horticulturists wanting career growth and "live-wire" electricians are being encouraged to apply.

The company says that shift work will enable men and women to balance their work and home lives.

B & Q has also introduced a policy of actively recruiting over 50s. The firm believes that customers can benefit from the extra skills and experience that mature workers bring to the job.

Manager of the new store Dave Hart said: "We're looking for 80 full-time workers and 140 part-time workers to join the team of different ages and differing levels of experience and expertise. The most important attributes will be a "can-do" attitude and a sense of team spirit.

"We are really looking forward to the opening of our new B&Q Warehouse. It will stock a huge range of products that just have not been available on the Island before. All we need now is positive staff who can contribute to its success."