Supermarket giant Asda is to create 1,250 new jobs as part of a major expansion of its distribution operation.

The company, which is owned by US group Wal-Mart, said improved sales had prompted the search for extra warehouse staff and drivers.

About 250 of the jobs would be at a new general merchandise distribution centre due to open this month in Leicestershire.

Another 300 people would be recruited at a George clothing distribution base scheduled to open in September at a location still to be announced.

A further 500 warehouse staff and 200 drivers would be needed to work at 21 centres across the UK.

The announcement is on top of the 10,000 positions Asda has already pledged to create this year.

Distribution director David Gibbons said: "We're sending out more products than we planned every week."