Black Country discount giant Hootys is to open a new £500,000 superstore in the centre of Kidderminster creating up to 50 new jobs.

The new store in Worcester Street, in the former Index store, is expected to open at the beginning of May.

It marks the Willenhall-based company’s first venture into the High Street and is part of a £1million expansion plan which could also see another store open in the Midlands before the end of the year.

Managing director Jim Maclachlan said: “It is right in the centre of Kidderminster town centre.

“We are waiting to move in but expect it will take around a month to prepare the store for opening.”

The store in Kidderminster will items such as electrical, home and garden goods, toys, bedding, clothing and more.