CITY-based building firm Simons has secured a £75m contract to build 10 new Tesco stores across the UK.

The local firm has teamed up with the supermarket giant to deliver new buildings, store extensions and fit-outs.

So far the company has completed one new store in Llandrindod Wells in Wales, which opened at the end of July.

It is currently working on another in Hornsby, Sheffield, as well as plans for others in the Midlands and North East.

None of the new stores will be in Lincolnshire.

The deal is a major coup for Simons, which has a £200m-a-year turnover and employs 200 people in Lincolnshire, as well as a further 110 on various projects across the country.

It is one of the most valuable deals the company, based in Doddington Road, has won.

Simons' account director Paul Davis said the firm was very proud of its growing relationship with Tesco.

"For us, Tesco is a case of success breeds success," he said.

"Last year we started small with three highly successful projects – two stores and a large distribution centre. This year will see us deliver 10 stores.

"It is fantastic that we have been chosen to work alongside the biggest retailer in the UK. We have a great team, all very excited to be involved in this programme."

Mr Davis said Simons intended to use some of its Lincolnshire workforce to complete the building work as well as local contractors.

He also said its success was a reflection of the company's eco credentials and its commitment to green building techniques.

The methods to be implemented in the supermarkets include rainwater harvesting and the use of natural ventilation rather than air conditioning.

In addition, each of the stores will be built with wood frames using timber from sustainable forests instead of metal.

Simons says that for every cubic metre of steel which is replaced with timber, almost a tonne of carbon will be saved because it is less energy-intensive to produce.

The company is to incorporate a new lighting system where natural light is fed in by rooflights, high-level windows, and sun pipes optimising and increasing natural daylight.

Each development integrates lots of natural light, meaning less artificial lighting and significantly reducing electricity.

Tesco hopes its partnership with Simons will support its aim of becoming a carbon neutral company by 2050.