Supermarket giant Asda has announced plans to provide photographic, optical and pharmacy services at dozens more of its stores, creating 870 jobs.

The chain plans to more than double its current tally of 36 dispensing chemists, adding the service to 58 more stores. It also intends to increase the number of photo-developing centres from six to 50.

Fifty stores will also get special vision centres offering customers a full ophthalmic service.

Asda said the jobs created by the schemes, which will mirror the in-store approach of its American owners Wal-Mart, will be in addition to the 5,000 new jobs it announced at the start of the year.

It is already planning a recruitment campaign to attract 100 qualified opticians and 120 registered pharmacists.