National ice cream parlour Kaspa's has started recruiting for its new branch.

Work began last week to convert the former Wetherspoon's – The Summoner – in Sittingbourne High Street into the eagerly-awaited dessert chain.

The Summoner closed its doors in February 2016, after nearly two decades of trading, with 40 jobs being axed.

A Kaspa's spokesman said: "We're very excited to announce that work has commenced on site for our new Sittingbourne branch at the Summoner and we're targeting to officially open the branch towards the end of April 2018.

"Sittingbourne is currently going through an amazing transformation through the town's regeneration scheme and we believe our investment in the town will help to attract more people back onto the high street.

"We can't wait to serve our mouth-watering desserts to the people of Sittingbourne."

Kaspa's already has branches in Canterbury and Broadstairs, with restaurants opening soon in Gillingham, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Dover.

It serves Italian gelato, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and sundaes and its new Sittingbourne shop will seat 136.

Dillex Investments Group Ltd, which will run the Sittingbourne franchise, has now started the recruitment process.

A spokesman for the company said a total of 30 jobs are up for grabs including management, assistant management, team leaders and regional managers.

He added that successful applicants would be called in for a one-to-one interview on an assessment day in March.

Those interested in applying should send their CV to kaspas@dillex.co.uk