The Original Factory Shop is spending £250,000 on the former Marks & Spencer Simply Food store to open later this month.

It will create more than 20 jobs and offer a range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, as well as homeware, electricals and toiletries.

The chain, which has 140 stores nationwide, sells a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices and own-brand products.

Among the brands expected to be on sale in the Morpeth shop are Adidas, Trespass, Regatta, Vax, Silentnight, L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Rimmel.

The outlet also hopes to play a part in the community life of the town and is looking for a local organisation to support.

Area Manager Caroline Welch said: "There's already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike.

"Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.

"We will be launching our Make a Difference campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010."

The shop will open on Tuesday, July 20.