A major coffee shop chain has announced it will be opening new stores in 11 Sainsbury's supermarkets – including one in Kent.

Costa Coffee has unveiled its initial plans this week, which include a branch in Herne Bay.

Property director at the firm, Nick Ridley, said: “We are excited to join forces with Sainsbury’s, bringing our much-loved Costa Coffee experiences to shoppers nationwide.

“We are proud that we will soon be able to make a difference to customers looking to catch up with friends and family over lunch or enjoy a beloved Costa coffee after their weekly shop.”

The deal is set to create more than 100 job opportunities around the country across the 11 stores.

It is thought the new coffee shops will open inside Sainsbury’s stores throughout the year, including at the Herne Bay branch at Altira Park.

However, the £3 million investment comes following a wave of closures which saw dozens of Costa Coffee shops shut their doors.

The branch in King Street, Maidstone, was among those to say an unexpected goodbye to customers last month.

The reason behind its closure is not known.

Costa Coffee has been asked for more details on the new Herne Bay branch.