The impact of the recession was brought into sharp focus today with bosses of a new Telford supermarket revealing more than 800 people applied for just 150 jobs at the store.

Bosses of the new Tesco in Madeley described the number of applications as “overwhelming” with five people fighting it out for each job.

Store manager Chris Green today said: “In this time of economic uncertainty it is great that we are able to create jobs and help get people back into work.

“The quality of applicants was fantastic and I am delighted with my new team.”

He added the recruitment process was now over and staff were currently preparing for the launch of the store this month.

“All new recruits are currently on their company induction,” he said.

“They will then go on a basic training programme before being given training specific to their department to ensure that they are fully trained prior to the official opening,” he added.

The store recruited staff through Job Centre Plus and people who were interested were directed to the Tesco recruitment website.

In addition to the 150 positions, 50 staff have been transferred from the temporary Tesco store in Madeley to work at the new Park Avenue store.

The superstore is due to open at 8am on March 22. The official opening ceremony will take place at 10am, when a £1,000 donation will be presented to a local charity. The store will be open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.