DISCOUNT department chain T J Hughes has announced it is to open in Derby's former Woolworths store, creating 70 jobs.

The company, which sells electrical goods, fashion, home wares, toys, lingerie and accessories, says the new branch will open in autumn.

It will fill the unit in Westfield Derby, opposite The Spot, which has been empty since Woolworths closed in January.

A spokeswoman for the chain said: "We are pleased to confirm that we are opening a new T J Hughes department store in Derby this autumn.

"The store will bring up to 70 new jobs to the city, both full and part-time positions."

Jonathan Guest, city council director of regeneration and communities, said it was "tremendous news".

He said: "It's creating 70 jobs in a time of a recession. I'm also delighted Derby has managed to find a user for what is a critical location in the city centre.

"T J Hughes is a well-known brand in the retail world and has been growing for some time. When it opens it will fill a little niche in the city that hasn't been filled for some time."

Derby Jobcentre, in Wardwick, is now handing out applications to those seeking employment.

Vacancies available include sales assistants, stockroom assistants, administration assistants, team leaders and a loss prevention manager.

The closing date for applicants is Friday, July 31.

The company was founded in Liverpool in 1912 and has 49 stores nationwide.

In 2000, T J Hughes was acquired by JJB Sports for £42m, ahead of a £56m buyout backed by PPM Capital two years later.

Following that takeover, the retailer's gross profits soared from £3.6m in 2003 to £12m in 2006.

Adam Tamsett, marketing executive at Westfield Derby, said London-based firm Redevco, which manages a portfolio of retail properties, was responsible for the unit being taken over by T J Hughes.