Eight new jobs have been created at Ashford’s popular shopping centre.

The vacancies follow the announcement that leather goods brand Osprey London will be opening at the Ashford Designer Outlet, in Kimberley Way.

The new store, 1,500 sq m in size, will sell handbags, purses and accessories and will open its doors this Thursday.

Centre manager Peter Corr said: “Osprey London is a great fit for the Ashford Designer Outlet; their beautifully crafted leather accessories for men and for women are exactly the kind our customers look for.

“We look forward to their opening – just in time for spring when our shoppers are looking for standout accessories for the season ahead.”

The brand was founded in 1980 by Graeme Ellisdon and the products are made by skilled craftsmen using traditional saddlery techniques.

It is not known which unit the store will open in.

The opening of Osprey is not the only change to take place at the Outlet this year.

In February, Next closed after facing a huge rise in rent.

The announcement left some shoppers disappointed, with one customer suggesting the closure would turn Ashford into a “ghost town”.

She said: “It’s disgraceful. This shop was always busy, and turned over a profit."

There are also rumours that outdoor clothing chain Trespass will move out of the centre, although a date for its closure is yet to be confirmed.

Another change saw hot drink venue Lost Sheep Coffee opening in the food court, selling specialty coffee, as well as cold drinks and snacks.

It has been launched by owner Stuart Wilson who already runs an outlet in Canterbury.