FAMILY retailer Wilkinson is bringing around 90 jobs to Ashford with its new home and garden store that opens in late February. It will breathe new life into the former Sainsbury unit in the Park Mall Shopping Centre.

As well as bringing new jobs, the retailer wants to lend an extra helping hand to the local community. As part of its commitment, Wilkinson is offering local people help with a community make-over project and has joined with supplier sponsor PBI, who make Phostrogen and Baby Bio, to give away £2,000 worth of products.

New store manager Steven Keeler said: "We would love to hear from any local community group or initiative needing help with a project or event. Many of our stores have raised a great deal for charity over the years and had lots of fun in the process." Wilkinson has teamed up with the Kentish Express, part of the Kent Messenger Group, to launch the community effort in the run-up to opening of the store.