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UK supermarket chain Asda is to create 9,000 new jobs and open 22 stores in its biggest jobs programme this decade.

Asda said 7,000 of the jobs would be created through store expansions, 1,500 extra staff would he hired to extend its home-delivery unit, and 500 jobs would be created at new in-store pharmacies.

The first of the new stores is due to open in Andover, Hampshire, in March, which will add over 800,000 sq ft to the retailer's estate, representing an investment of around £400 million.

Other new stores include Dalgety Bay in Scotland and Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan.

Chief financial officer, Judith McKenna, said: "This major investment demonstrates our on-going commitment to bringing low prices and fantastic service to even more people across the UK.

"We have an impressive track record of regenerating areas at the edge of and in town centres throughout the UK, showing our ongoing commitment to local communities."

Meanwhile, Asda helped its parent Wal-Mart to bumper 2007 profits, the US retail giant said.

Wal-Mart said income from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended January 31st, 2008 increased 5.8 per cent to $12.88 billion ($6.62 billion), up from $12.18 billion (£6.26 billion) in the prior year.

In its annual report, Wal-Mart said: "Led by Mexico and increasing momentum at Asda in the United Kingdom, international sales increased more than 30 percent to $77 billion (£39.56 billion) for the year."