Jaguar Land Rover has announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs at its Halewood manufacturing plant.

The new roles are being created in response to increased demand as the company ramps up production of Land Rover’s newest model, the Range Rover Evoque.

It means Halewood, which also produces the Freelander 2 model, will employ almost 4,500 people, double the figure it did three years ago.

Jaguar Land Rover HR director, Des Thurlby, said: “These 1,000 new jobs are further evidence of JLR’s clear ambition for continued growth. We are moving Halewood to three shifts and 24-hour operation to meet increased global demand for our products.”

The news is set to boost the supply chain too, including many Midlands firms who supply components.

“JLR’s supply chain is also set to benefit, with thousands more jobs expected to be created,” Mr Thurlby added.

“Our commitment to expand the Halewood workforce and increase production is great news for JLR, for Merseyside and for the wider UK economy.”

The new jobs will include production operators, supervisors and engineers. All new employees joining the production line will receive training towards an Intermediate (Level 2) Apprenticeship.