More than 1,300 people applied for 140 new jobs at the Tesco supermarket due to open at Sheringham later this month.

Building work at the Cromer Road site is nearing completion, and the staff taken on by the retail giant are currently undergoing training at other stores.

The Sheringham workforce includes 10 graduates. And the applications included candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including a bank manager, a lifeboat station manager, ex-army personnel and a lifeguard.

Store manager Simon Nellis, who has worked for Tesco for 23 years, said: 'We're really pleased with the response from our recruitment drive.

'We've taken on staff in all positions across the store, from team leaders to check out operators to deli counter staff.'

Recruitment was done through the Job Centre Plus and through Tesco's online recruitment system.

Due to the high number of applicants more than 400 interviews were carried out before selecting the successful candidates.

Tesco said the Sheringham store team were keen to contribute to the local community and support the causes that matter most to local residents. It would have a dedicated 'community champion' to help build relationships and organise community events both within the store and around Sheringham. The champion would also help local organisations apply for funding.

Mr Nellis said: 'My team and I are committed to being a good neighbour in Sheringham and we will work hard to provide the best possible service'.

The store - which was built after some fierce local opposition and a planning battle lasting a decade - will have an in-store bakery, hot deli counter and a fresh olive salad bar.

It will be open from 7am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.