Nearly 450 job seekers applied for jobs at East Putney’s new Waitrose in just nine days.

The supermarket received 446 job applications for the shop, which will go on to create more than 40 jobs when it opens on January 21, next year.

The little Waitrose will be adjacent to the East Putney tube station and is part of the new Langham Square development of contemporary flats and a public piazza.

The roles were advertised for the first time on Monday, November 11, but the window was closed the following Wednesday after an overwhelming response.

The supermarket is now interviewing applicants with successful candidates set to receive an early Christmas present with a job offer in December. They will then receive their training to offer customers.

Thirty places will be allocated during those interviews to candidates put forward by Jobcentre Plus to provide opportunities for local unemployed people.

Waitrose Director of Development, Nigel Keen, said: "It's been a phenomenal response and we are really encouraged by the calibre of applications as well as so many people wanting to work for our business.

"We pride ourselves on ensuring our shops have a local identity and that starts with the staff we employ - we look forward to welcoming successful candidates in the near future."