Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is to create 150 new manufacturing jobs at its plant in Goodwood, West Sussex.

The firm is increasing its manufacturing headcount by 50% to support the production of its new model, the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

The majority of the new positions have been created in the wood, leather and paint shops and the assembly areas. In addition there will be a number of new positions in the headquarter offices

Rolls-Royce CEO Tom Purves said, "This is good news for the British car industry at a time when it is struggling. Britain has an exceptional talent for automotive production and we are keen to maximise this at Rolls-Royce."

Rolls-Royce has expanded all areas of its manufacturing facility over the past two years to prepare for the introduction of the Ghost model. It plans to have 900 staff in place at Goodwood by the end of the year.