Arnold Clark plans to open a new dealership in Bolton early in 2019.

The top 10 AM100 dealer group is recruiting staff for the Motorstore used car outlet, which AM understands will replace the town's closed Toys R Us store at the Trinity Retail Park.

Its advert for a sales manager states they will play a crucial role in "helping put Arnold Clark on the map in the Bolton area.

Although this is its first outlet in Bolton, the group already has numerous other car dealerships in the region. At Wigan, just 11 miles away, it has a Motorstore used car supermarket and a Renault/Dacia dealership.

The facility, that sits adjacent to the A666, has an internal showroom display for up to 30 cars, an external sales pitch for up to 120 cars, a fully equipped service workshop with 11 ramps and an MOT facility, a preparation valet bay area and a photo bay.

Derek Cuthbertson, estates manager for Arnold Clark, said: ‘The group had been actively looking for a suitable site in the Bolton area and when this opportunity arose it was apparent the site had the capability of accommodating our Motorstore franchise.

"We have been working hard since the start of the year with our design team and consultants to make this project happen and we are delighted planning approval has now been granted."