Former Woolworths stores in Belper and Matlock are among those which have been bought by frozen foods giant Iceland.

The stores in King Street and Firs Parade are among 51 of the vacant stores to be bought by the company nationwide.

Nick Canning, Iceland marketing director, said: "I can confirm that following the successful acquisition of 51 Woolworth stores, Iceland will be creating in the region of 2,500 jobs across the country in the coming year.

"This is in addition to our existing new store opening programme."

"We are confident we can help to support the local community in these towns who have lost a major high street retailer in Woolworths."

Meanwhile, a chain store founded in Burton has announced it is bucking the credit crunch trend of gloom and opening new stores.

Poundland – which has more than two million customers a week – is embarking on a "significant" expansion of its store base.

News of the expansion came as the group – which sells everything for £1 – said sales rose 3.9% over the five weeks to January 4 as consumers sought cheaper options.

Poundland opened its first shop in the Octagon Centre, Burton, in December, 1990.

As well as the original store, it currently has one store in Derbyshire, in Derby city centre.

Poundland's strong trading continues the winning Christmas enjoyed by value-for-money retailers such as baking chain Greggs, Domino's Pizza and budget clothing chains Peacocks and New Look – while the likes of Marks & Spencer have suffered.

Poundland, based in Willenhall, West Midlands, already has more than 200 shops and 6,400 staff but plans to add 30 new stores and create an extra 1,000 jobs. Today, it said it could not yet say where its new stores would.

Chief executive Jim McCarthy said: "We are well positioned to capitalise on the continuing strong customer trend to shop savvy and seek value for money."