An ambitious web management firm is to create 50 new jobs as soon as it is given the green light for an office extension.

GForces, based in Bearsted, near Maidstone, says it will be searching for bright IT people to fill the roles.

It also plans to encourage young people by boosting its work placement and experience programmes for a further 70 students.

Managing director Giles Smith said the jobs would be well-paid with salaries above the county average: "We are thrilled to be in a position to establish a substantial number of new full-time jobs, especially at a time when unemployment is rising in the county and economic uncertainty prevails.

"These skilled roles will undoubtedly be of great value to the local job market, giving fantastic opportunities to Kent's talented individuals in one of the most dynamic professional sectors."

He was confident Maidstone council would back the firm's plans.

"If the final seal of approval is granted in May, we can begin immediately to construct the extension and undertake the first phase of recruitment."

GForces was set up in 1999 and has grown into one of the UK's leading web consultancies in the automotive sector.

"It works for leading dealerships, car supermarkets and smaller outlets with the aim of making the internet more profitable through better customer targeting, increased conversion rates and higher order values."