LAUNCESTON welcomed M&S Food to the Hurdon Retail Park on Wednesday, November 29.

The doors were opened to a queue of eager customers, with a ribbon cutting event held at 10am. Mayor, Margaret Young cut the ribbon and welcomed the outlet to Launceston.

The new store is one of three new retail outlets that have arrived in the town in recent months, including B&M and a new Costa Coffee shop.

The 7,000 sq ft store is packed with festive fare, and also has an in-store bakery.

Just in time for the vital Christmas food shop, the store also has a variety of festive goods to take home, such as chocolates, wine and port, and the all important fresh produce for the Christmas dinner.

The store also features a bakery, a customer service till and self-check out tills.

The new store team is being led by manager, Holly Drew, who told the Post: “We are really excited and really pleased to be welcoming people from Launceston into our store today. We’ve had a fantastic acceptance and response from local people, who have been really supportive.

“We conducted all of our interviews at the Job Centre, and I think this store is going to be absolutely brilliant for Launceston.”

Eleanor Roth, mum of two, was one of the first customers in the store. She said: “Having an M&S in Launceston is pretty amazing because before I had to travel to Truro with my children, and now I can get my fix of M&S food on my doorstep. I love the range of veggie food on offer, particularly the vegetarian sweets! I’ll definitely be coming here in the lead up to Christmas.”

Clare Edwards, who attended the opening with her family, added: “It’s been a great atmosphere today and we’re really looking forward to stocking up on our favorite treats and fresh products. Our little ones love the homemade flapjacks, so we’re here to pick up some of those.

“I’m sure everyone will be using the new store. There’s been a lot of build up to it. There’s nothing like it in Launceston, so we’re very excited.”

The opening of Launceston’s M&S Food has provided 45 job opportunities for local people.