THE first in a line of new look Edinburgh Woollen Mill shops has created 12 jobs in Tunbridge Wells. The town's mayor and mayoress, Cllr and Mrs Melvyn Howell were present to launch the first day's trading at the Calverley Road outlet.

Assistant marketing manager John Cliff said: "It joins more than 180 stores nationwide but the layout and fittings are of a new design, tested and approved to be more agreeable to customers and complemented by our new summer range of clothing." He said EWM was delighted to have secured a base in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

Cllr Howell welcomed the company's investment in the town, which he believed would further enhance Tunbridge Wells's reputation as a top regional shopping centre.