STRUGGLING supermarket giant Tesco has announced that it is not closing any stores in Mid Devon.

The firm has named the 43 stores it is closing across the country, a move that will see 2,000 staff lose their jobs.

The company is currently informing staff at the affected stores, while Somerset has escaped the axe.

Its Express and Home Plus stores will close on March 15, with the Tesco Metros and Superstores closing on April 4.

Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis described the decision to close the stores as "exceptionally difficult".

He added: "Our priority is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and, wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco."

In total 18 Express, 12 Metro, seven superstores and six Homeplus stores are closing.