Asda has vowed to invest £500m this year on new stores and depots, in a growth push it said would create up to 5,000 jobs.

The supermarket plans to open 25 new stores include superstores , new smaller-format stores and Asda Living outlets.

Among three new depots, a new site in Rochdale will service chilled and frozen products to stores along the M62 corridor.

David Cameron said the retailer’s plans represented “a real boost for the economy”.

“I welcome Asda’s commitment to not only create jobs but to invest in their staff too, offering employees the chance to join an apprenticeship scheme to gain skills which will benefit them throughout their career,” the prime minister said.

Walmart International president Doug McMillon added: “Our continued investment is because we see a tremendous opportunity in front of us.”

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