DISCOUNT supermarket giant Aldi says five new stores will create 150 jobs across the South West.

The German-owned supermarket is currently building the new sites, including one in Royal Wootton Bassett, which was given the green light last year.

It also opened a new store in Rodbourne in October and has now got permission for one in Highworth after a failed legal challenge from the Midcounties Co-operative.

John Richardson, regional managing director at Aldi UK, said: “We’ve set out ambitious plans for this year and we’re investing heavily across the South West to ensure even more people in the region can shop and save closer to home.

“We have a fantastic team across the area and this means we can grow and offer even more employment opportunities for local people.

“We’re excited to see how the stores develop over the next few months and I would encourage local people to keep an eye out for recruitment opportunities.”

Aldi is now the UK’s fifth largest supermarket with over 825 stores, having doubled its market share since 2010, with plans to open 65 stores nationwide by 2025.