Discount chain Poundstretcher has confirmed it will be opening a branch in Sittingbourne next year.

The retailer will replace Tesco at The Forum Shopping Centre, bringing with it 25 full-time and part-time roles.

The supermarket giant announced it had reached the difficult decision to close the Metro in the new year and it was understood the store had been performing below expectations for a venue of its size.

A total of 33 people worked at the store and efforts were being made by Tesco to find staff employment at other shops.

Poundstretcher will be giving away more than £3,000 of goods on its opening day – limited to one item per household.

A company spokesman said it would be expecting huge queues for the official unveiling, which is expected to take place in February.

A fun day with activities for families is also planned for the grand opening from 10am until 4pm, including free games, prize giveaways, and the chance to win products.

Managing director Gerry Loughran said: “We had an excellent reception recently at our store opening in Sheerness.

“We look forward to welcoming the people of Sittingbourne and offering them amazing value for money with great bargains on thousands of branded products.

"We had an excellent reception recently at our store opening in Sheerness." - Gerry Loughran

“We are expecting massive queues for our Opening Day Only Specials, so come early to catch the bargains.”

Jobs are to be advertised at poundstretcher.co.uk/careers.

A store manager position for the Sittingbourne store was recently posted on retailchoice.com offering a salary of between £15,600 to £20,000.

When the chain came to Sheerness earlier this month, there were queues to get in.

One man even spent 16 hours camped outside to get his hands on a discounted vacuum cleaner.

Some bargain hunters were left disappointed when the Hoovers they camped out overnight for did not work.

The store said all the customers affected were offered replacements.

Meanwhile Tesco confirmed it had no plans to sell The Forum, which it owns.