Supermarket giant Tesco has confirmed that it is committed to further expansion on Merseyside.

The retail chain is currently looking at building a new store in Everton and Toxteth, while plans to build an outlet in Kirby have also been proposed, reports the Liverpool Daily Post.

Commenting on the move, Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said the company would not be stopped by ongoing economic problems in the UK.

He remarked: "I remember the recession in the early 90s and Tesco actually continued to invest sensibly through that period and it was one of the best things that we ever did."

Sir Terry, who was born in Liverpool, added that it is important for the company to carry in the same vein in order to develop the company further.

Meanwhile, Tesco has published a trading statement in which it has said it is on track to create up to 30,000 new jobs this year.