ONLINE shopping giant Amazon is to open a new delivery station north of Carlisle.

The new 7,000 sq metre station - which will be located on Woodlands Industrial Storage Estate in Longtown - will create more than 20 permanent jobs as well as jobs for more than 100 drivers.

Independent delivery companies will hire the drivers, which will come from eight different companies, who will deliver parcels on behalf of Amazon.

Packages destined for Amazon customers will be shipped to the new Longtown delivery station from Amazon fulfilment and sortation centres, where they will then be delivered to customers in the nearby area.

Amazon say that through its Amazon Logistics arm it is helping “independent local delivery companies to grow their businesses and add capacity and flexibility to Amazon’s delivery network to meet increasing customer demand”.

Kerry-Anne Lawlor, country director for Amazon Logistics said: “We are excited to open a delivery station in Carlisle where Amazon’s 20 plus years of operational expertise, technology advancements and investment in transportation infrastructure is enabling faster delivery for customers than ever before seven days a week.”

The leading retailer says it is investing in transport infrastructure and innovation to increase supply chain capacity and provide customers with faster delivery options.

Amazon says the new site - which will open in spring - will mean more efficient delivery for customers but held back from saying it would bring same-day delivery options to customers in Cumbria just yet.

The firm will have a stall at the Carlisle Careers Fair, which will take place at the Halston on Warwick Road between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday.

Entry to the fair is free.