A Market Drayton firm is creating 150 jobs as it prepares for the Christmas rush.

The jobs boost comes as Palethorpes Pork Farms looks to increase production ahead of its busiest period.

The seasonal jobs are for production operatives, packers and team leaders.

Bosses said the extra staff were needed to cope with a healthy order book over the Christmas period and there was scope for successful candidates to earn up to £320 a week.

John Evans, HR manager at the Maer Lane site, said most of the jobs would last until January.

However, some of the roles could become permanent positions for “the right candidates”.

Mr Evans said: “In August we usually start ramping up production for the busy Christmas period.

“This year we need about 150 temporary staff to work alongside our 600 permanent staff.

“We are going to be very busy this Christmas and we have a full order book for the period.”

He added it would be an advantage for candidates to have previous experience of working in the food industry.

Councillor Kath Brown, Mayor of Market Drayton, said the news would be a shot in the arm for the local economy.

She said: “It’s good news for the town in these tough times. Extra jobs means extra money for people to spend in the town.”