SCORES of shoppers gathered to see the latest Marks and Spencer store open to the public in Broadstone.

The new M&S Foodhall, which opened at 10am yesterday, is located in the former Budgens store in Lower Blandford Road and has created 50 jobs in the area.

The opening was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony carried out by one of the store’s longest serving members of staff, Lisa Morgan, who has spent 34 years at the business.

Ray Taylor, Store Manager of M&S Broadstone, said: “Today’s launch has been a great success and a brilliant opportunity for us to meet the local community.

“There’s been a lot of excitement around the opening so it was fantastic to finally invite customers into our new store and show them what we have been working on.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do at M&S, so we’re looking forward to delivering exceptional service for the residents of Broadstone.”

The opening was a welcome boost for residents in the area, with many believing it was long overdue.

June Wallke was the first customer at the store and had been waiting since 9am for the opening: “I couldn’t wait for M&S to open, I’m delighted it’s finally here in Broadstone” she said.

“We’ve been waiting for a good store like this and now we’ve finally got it.”

Paulette Quinlan, another local customer, said: “I had to travel to Poole weekly to do my M&S shopping, but now it’s right at our doorstep. I’m so delighted we have a store in Broadstone.”

It will be open from 8am until 8pm Monday to Friday, 8pm until 7pm on Saturdays and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

M&S Broadstone Foodhall offers thousands of products, from everyday essentials and prepared meals, to delicatessen foods, beers, wines and spirits.

Treats and gifts from the new M&S spring range are also available. The new Foodhall will also offer M&S’s Click & Collect service, giving customers the option to have their clothing and home orders delivered to the store.

Last week it was announced that the Bournemouth town centre M&S is expected to close on April 14.

All 135 staff at the Commercial Road store have been offered moves to other branches in the area.