SUPERMARKET chain Lidl has announced it plans to increase its number of stores with two Ceredigion towns on the wish list.

Lidl announced earlier today its plans to take its total number of stores across the UK to 1,100, which would create 4,000 new jobs.

The company has previously revealed that both Lampeter and Cardigan are "locations of interest” as it sets about putting its ambitious plans into practice.

The Aberystwyth store, which has been in the town since 1997, is currently being expanded and is due to open some time in the new year.

A temporary store has been set up in the old Store 21 unit near the town’s bus station while work is carried out to expand a new-look store into the former Iceland site.

Lidl says it remains on track to reach 1,000 stores by the end of 2023 and is currently looking to build another 100 stores by 2025.

Christian Härtnagel, Lidl GB CEO said: “Our new store target today marks a significant investment for the business.

“We remain committed to our bricks and mortar strategy and maintaining our store opening pace; roughly a store a week for the next four years.”

Earlier this year, the company released a list of places of interest it was considering for new stores, which featured both Cardigan and Lampeter along with other mid Wales sites in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells.