FIFTY jobs will be created when discount retailer B&M Bargains opens a store in Bicester next week.

Residents also have a chance to nominate a local hero, who will receive £250 worth of vouchers to spend in store.

They will also be given VIP treatment before cutting the ribbon at an opening ceremony on Saturday, March 5. The chain has taken over the former Tesco store in Sheep Street.

Vacancies include shop-floor assistants, who will stock shelves and serve customers.

This is the fourth B&M store to open in Oxfordshire – others are in Cowley, Abingdon and Didcot. The family-run firm has 500 outlets in the UK stocking groceries, toys, pet products, home furnishings, furniture and electrical goods.

Spokesman Lauren Wynne-Williams said: “We have a range of job roles and welcome applicants of all ages.

“We are also asking people to nominate a local hero to open the store. If there’s someone you think deserves VIP treatment, let us know who and why.”

To apply for a job at the store, or to nominate a local hero, visit bmstores.co.uk.