Sainsbury's announced last week that it had exchanged contracts to acquire the Somerfield store on King Street from the Co-operative Group.

The acquisition is expected to be completed over the next couple of months. The store will then close for a period of refurbishment and re-branding and will re-open as a Sainsbury's later this year.

This new store will provide improved and modernised shopping facilities for the local community, offering an excellent fresh food and grocery range.

All colleagues employed at the Somerfield store will be offered employment with Sainsbury's under TUPE regulations.

Chris Templeman, Head of Property Development, said: "The Thorne Somerfield presents an excellent opportunity for us to extend the Sainsbury's offer in Yorkshire.

"We look forward to welcoming new colleagues to Sainsbury's.

"I am also pleased to confirm that all former Somerfield colleagues will be offered jobs at the new store. "During the closure period our new colleagues will undergo training in preparation for the opening."

New Thorne mayor, Councillor Tony Brookes also welcomed the news, he told the Gazette: "I think it's brilliant because as far as I'm concerned we want all the shops open and in use in the centre of Thorne.

"There was a danger of that Somerfield closing so the fact someone is taking it on and keeping the jobs is very good news."