AROUND 1,600 jobs will be created by Co-op which plans to open 100 new grocery stores in the coming year.

The retailer will invest more than £160 million in the new shops, as well as giving “major makeovers” to a further 150 outlets.

More than 20 new stores will open in London, up to 18 in Scotland, 10 in Wales and others in English cities including York, Plymouth and Bristol.