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The arrival of the 20,000 sq ft supermarket to Bramley Shopping Centre has been welcomed by local people who were shocked by the sudden departure of Somerfield from the precinct last autumn.

It also means a much-needed pre-Christmas boost for the local economy, which has suffered a downturn after losing a number of businesses from the centre.

The new store – which will operate over two floors – will employ 180 staff.

Store manager Michael Carr said: "We are all really excited and cannot wait for opening day. We hope the residents of Bramley and the surrounding areas will be very happy with their new store.

"My staff and I are looking forward to welcoming our customers and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community."

The closure of Somerfield last October meant Bramley families had no local supermarket to do their Christmas shopping in 2007.

Somerfield had only been operating on the the site for two years, having taken on the building from Morrisons.

When the YEP revealed the news of Tesco's imminent arrival last year, delighted Bramley locals said a big name retailer was just the boost the area needed.

Ian Hirst, manage of Bramley Shopping Centre, said it was "the best news there has been for Bramley for a very long time – the whole place will be revitalised".

Tesco's arrival is the first step in a major £1 million regeneration of Bramley Shopping Centre.

Frozen foods giant Farm Foods is also due to open a new unit in an extended space at the back of the existing centre in the coming months.