A high-end food retailer will take on a rival supermarket's store in Hawkhurst.

Waitrose will acquire the Budgens store on Rye Road later this year, creating up to 40 new jobs.

The food shops of the John Lewis Partnership has today announced it reached the agreement with Booker Retail Partners GB to take on its store.

Last month the chain announced its plans to build the county's biggest store on Maidstone's Eclipse Park.

All of the 26 current employees will be given the opportunity to transfer to Waitrose, becoming John Lewis partners.

Nigel Keen, director of development at Waitrose said: "This is an exciting opportunity to bring the Waitrose brand to Hawkhurst and we cannot wait to welcome our new customers in the autumn.

"We look forward to becoming part of the community and making a positive contribution to the area for many years to come."

The retailer has also announced it will be launching a new scheme, community matters and partner volunteering, which will see £6,000 and 100 hours donated to local causes nominated by its customers each year.

Budgens will continue to trade until summer, with a date yet to be confirmed.

Waitrose is expected to open in autumn this year.