A frozen food retailer has given four Kent towns a jobs boost after buying the former Woolworths stores.

Dozens of jobs were lost with the demise of the branches in the run up to Christmas - but new positions will be created with the opening of the Iceland shops in Broadstairs, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Strood.

They are among 51 Woolworths outlets, largely in the south east, acquired by Iceland in a move the company claims will create 2,500 new jobs.

Nick Canning, Iceland's marketing director, said: "We are confident we can help to support the local community in these towns."

Kent had a total of 27 Woolies outlets, all of which have now closed their doors.

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