A TOTAL of 20 new jobs will be created when Kendal's latest store opens its doors for the first time later this month.

Shoe chain Famous Footwear has recruited six full-time staff and 14 part-timers for its store on Sandes Avenue, due to be open on August 18.

The site was previously occupied by another shoe business, Briggs Shoe Mines, which was forced to close earlier this year.

Despite the closure of Briggs store on Sandes Avenue, Famous Footwear owner Stead & Simpson is confident its latest store will be a success.

Chief executive David Lockyer said: "The opening is part of Stead & Simpson's nationwide store opening and refurbishment programme and will have the backing of a successful and established footwear company.

"Stead & Simpson have a number of stores in North West England, which all perform well and Kendal is a popular tourist centre, as well as having a substantial and stable resident population.

"Famous Footwear will be located on a good site where business can be profitable and will offer a large range of branded footwear.."

Mr Lockyer said the store would sell children's and ladies clothing and houseware items, as well as running a restaurant and heritage exhibition.

The company has appointed Kendal-born Wendy Hewitson, 28, as store manager.

She already has substantial experience in retail management, having started her career at 18 as store manager for Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Commenting on her appointment, the former Queen Katherine School pupil said: "I've worked in a retail environment since I left school and have previously worked as a store manager for another shoe store, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

"My last job, as a menswear rep, took me

away from one-to-one interaction with customers and I missed that, so I'm genuinely looking forward to getting back into a store and meeting customers.

I' ve put together a business plan and am determined to make Famous Footwear successful in Kendal.

I've got a great team of people working at the store and can't wait for opening day."