CALLINGTONs new eco-friendly Tesco Superstore this week said it had received more than 2,000 applications for the 188 jobs available at the supermarket.

The new shop is due to open on Bank Holiday Monday, August 30. Store manager Gary Wills said he had been overwhelmed by the incredible response to the Tesco recruitment drive.

Mr Wills said: In this time of economic uncertainty, it is great that we are able to create jobs and help people get back into work. The quality of applicants was fantastic and I am delighted with my new team.

All new recruits are currently on their company induction, and will then go on a basic training programme before being given training specific to their department.

We are currently preparing for the launch of the new store and look forward to playing an active role in the local community.

The store recruited for new positions through the Working Links scheme in conjunction with the local Jobcentre Plus.

The superstore, which is located on Tavistock Road, has not only created jobs but will also be eco-friendly.

The new green store, which has a timber frame rather than a steel one, will have skylights in the roof, allowing natural light to filter through without overheating the store.

The store will also harvest rain water to flush the toilets and operate the car wash. In addition, the store will have environmentally friendly fridges and freezers to reduce its carbon emissions, and it will be fitted with a more energy-efficient heating and air conditioning system.

Particularly welcome for Callington residents will be the new petrol station at Tavistock Road site. There has not been a garage for petrol sales in the town since the closure of Pengelly Garage in June 2008. Ironically, competition from supermarkets selling cheap petrol was one of the reasons blamed for the closure of the garage after 74 years.

The store will offer customers a number of non-food ranges, to include family clothing, health and beauty products, homeware, a photo processing facility, as well as a range of CDs, books, and DVDs.

The 30,000 square foot superstore will also have a delicatessen counter, a fresh fish and meat counter, as well as a hot chicken counter.

The opening of the new supermarket comes some 18 months after planning permission was finally granted for the development in March 2009 one of the last planning decisions taken by the old Caradon District Council, disbanded when Cornwall became a unitary authority.

There was overwhelming support for the Tesco plan went before the public during a consultation exhibition held in 2008. At that time, it was revealed that some 80% of Callingtons residents were going out of town to buy their shopping. It is hoped those same people will now be attracted back to Callington, boosting other shops in the town.

Tesco is set to open at 10am on August 30, with an official launch celebration taking place at 10.30am.

After launch day, the store opening times will be 7am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The petrol station will be open from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week.