DISCOUNT retailer Poundland has confirmed it is setting up shop in Dorchester .

The chain, which has over 400 stores nationwide, had widely been expected to take up the current Wellchester store when it closes its doors.

The exact opening date is still to be confirmed, as is the number of jobs the new Poundland will create.

Poundland’s trading director David Coxon said: “Poundland has grown significantly over the past 12 months and it’s fantastic to see this expansion continuing with a new store in Dorchester.

“We’re looking forward to opening our doors.”

Wellchester, one of Dorchester’s flagship stores, announced earlier this summer that it was to close.

It was originally set up as Wellworths back in 2009 in the wake of the collapse of Woolworths.

Former Woolworths Saturday girl Claire Robertson and her team attracted national publicity as DJ Chris Evans attended the launch.

Manager Claire left her position in June to set up her own consultancy firm and the store announced it was closing the following month.