A supermarket has been swamped by more than 4000 applicants as a new store opens

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Some 4,300 hopefuls put themselves forward for the positions at the store in Rowner, near Gosport, Hants.

The dramatic online response exposed a “need for jobs” in the area where people are “dying” for work.

Of the 826 called to interview, 55 were long-term unemployed. Almost 700 were called for a short trial at two nearby stores.

Store manager Nigel Perman said: “We had 4,300 people apply online, which is an astronomical amount of people. I was really surprised.

“It also shows the need for jobs out there. It was great phoning these people and telling them they’ve got a job.

“They were so ecstatic and grateful.”

Nichola Stanley, 40, was rejected before being called to a trial.

She said: “We definitely need jobs in Gosport, because the community is dropping like flies.

“Everywhere you look people are dying to get a job. It’s unfair on people, we need jobs in Gosport.”