EIGHTY new jobs have been created by the opening of a new cash and carry depot.

Northern firm Batleys selected the site in Courteney Road, Gillingham, as the location for its first cash and carry store in the South East.

The warehouse is open seven days a week to registered catering and independent retailer trade customers.

It sells approximately 20,000 product lines.

The store also offers a complete range of products for registered pet shop owners.

Operations director Martin Race said: "This is a big moment for Batleys as we approach our 50th year in business. Our reputation for availability, range and general service to all our many trade customers is something we are very proud of.

"To be introducing it to the South East is proof that the firm has a very definite quality niche in the wholesale industry that still has room to develop."