MARKS and Spencer opened its doors to customers in Haslemere for the first time last Thursday morning.

Employees gathered outside and residents were queued before town mayor Melanie Odell cut the ribbon declaring the company’s new food store and cafe opposite Lion Green officially open.

Customers were greeted inside the store with glasses of bubbly wine and orange juice.

The mayor said: "We have been eagerly awaiting the opening of the M&S Foodhall and it was a privilege to open the store and see the first customers pass through its doors.

“I have no doubt that the community will embrace M&S and this is a fantastic addition to our vibrant town."

Store manager Abigail Pockett said: "It’s been a truly special occasion to celebrate the opening with my team and the local community. Having the mayor open the store was a fantastic way to mark the day and it’s brilliant to finally welcome customers into our new store.

“The excitement among the team has been building over the last few months, particularly over the last few days while we have been putting the finishing touches to the store – from arranging the bouquets of flowers and placing the final items on the shelves, to polishing the coffee machine and turning on the bakery ovens for the first time.

“We’ve already had a great response from the first customers and the team can’t wait to get to know local residents.

“Haslemere is a wonderful town which celebrates its strong community spirit and we very much want our store to be seen as part of this.

“As we settle into the town over the coming months we’ll be getting stuck into our charity activity, as well as other community initiatives, as we all want to do our bit for the town."

The store will be open 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.