ABOUT 1,200 job hunters have applied for 70 positions at the new Asda 'mini department store' on Templars Retail Park in Cowley.

Store manager Mike Doidge was delighted with the response, which followed articles about the new Asda Living store in The Oxford Times.

He said additional temporary jobs might be available and it was always good to have a pool of interested applicants. “We're really pleased that we've been able to provide 70 part-time and temporary jobs for people living in or near Cowley.

“We are looking for friendly, personable people who will bring fun and enthusiasm to our new store and the colleagues we've recruited so far look like a very strong team. Many of the permanent positions are now filled but we’re still looking to fill the temporary positions.”

The store, which is due to open in late May, signals Asda’s first presence in Oxford.

As well as shop-floor positions, the 70 new jobs included managerial roles and positions exclusive to Living, such as a 'baby adviser' and a 'visual merchandiser'.

The shop will sell George clothing, homeware and furnishings. Staff, who are known as colleagues, receive an annual bonus, which recently reached a record £26.9m total.