Six old Co-op stores in Kent will be converted into Asda Express’ over the next few months.

It comes after Asda announced it had purchased the shops under a multi-million pound deal last year as part of its long term aim to become the UK’s second largest supermarket.

Three Co-ops in Medway are set to be converted – in Salters Cross, Strood, Beechings Way, Twydall, and City Way, Rochester.

The other locations in Kent will be in Swanley High Street, Sheppey Way, Bobbing and Tothill Street, Minster.

Between now and March there are plans to convert 116 sites into Asda Express sites in the UK. Eleven sites have already opened.

Around 2,300 workers currently employed by Co-op stores will transfer to Asda.

Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner, said: “The launch of our conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.

“We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.“