Up to 40 new jobs will be created in Oxford when a supermarket undergoes a £1m refurbishment.

Somerfield, in Old High Street, Headington, is expected to undergo a major refit to transform it into a 'focus' store.

The supermarket is the second firm to announce plans to upgrade shops in the area, which has recently attracted criticism because of the large number of charity shops offering what some people have described as inferior goods.

The Co-op has also applied for permission to revamp its supermarket on London Road, and transform the former petrol station into a community area.

The refurbished Somerfield store will have more check-outs and a new entrance.

The store will close during refurbishment, before re-opening on September 26.

A Somerfield spokesman said: "The refurbished store will have a focus on quality fresh foods with a new produce section, meat and poultry and snacks to go.

"There will also be a new delicatessen and rotisserie.

"The store will be a focus store for the business with a £1 million investment. This will also generate 40 new vacancies in store."

Other traders in Headington have welcomed the news.

Jill Cummings, a member of Headington business association and co-owner of jewellers Time and Elegance, said: "It's got to be good for business, because it shows a commitment by the bigger stores to the area.

"I think that if independent people can see that national chains are making a commitment, it's better for us. Let's hope that these large stores participate in community events."

The Co-op is currently waiting to hear whether its proposal, which involves rotating the orientation of its Headington store by 180 degrees and creating a new entrance on London Road, is successful.

The former petrol station will be replaced with the proposed community area, disabled and family parking, a covered trolley park, and cycle racks.