WICKES, the building materials and DIY chain, is creating 10 jobs at a new store in Gravesend.

Wickes Home Improvement Centres said the large new store -- it is 39,000 sq ft with a 5,170 sq ft outdoor project area--would create 10 jobs. It is opening on March 1.

The store will have special areas devoted to showers, conservatories, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

Customers will be able to watch home ideas come to life with Wickes' enhanced 3D computer-aided-design (CAD) service that allows kitchens and bedrooms to be previewed from any angle with a wide variety of colour schemes and flooring options.

The outdoor project centre will carry a wide range of outdoor products, timber, decking, fencing and water features.

Store manager Paul Harris said: "We are delighted to be opening this store in Gravesend and are looking forward to putting something back into the local community through employment and helping customers become more creative with their home improvement projects."

The store will be open from 7.30am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.