MARKS and Spencer welcomed hundreds of shoppers to its Stockton Heath food hall after the doors were finally opened this morning, Wednesday.

Customers got the chance to see the 5,500 food and drink lines on offer from 10am after store manager Diane Bartolo carried out the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 9,000 square foot site is also home to a selection of flowers, cards and gift wrap.

Residents can enjoy a 22-seat 'Coffee to Go' facility, which serves a range of takeaway drinks and refreshments, while the 'Shop Your Way' service gives customers the choice of ordering from M&S.com in the shop or online, with the added benefit of free next day in-store delivery and collection.

And the bakery provides a range of fresh speciality breads, pastries and cakes.

Stockton Heath resident Ms Bartolo, who has been with M&S for 34 years, said she was 'delighted' to have opened in the village and admitted being able to walk to work was a bonus.

"I think it was a fantastic opening – now it is all about working with the community," she added.

"We will provide customers with a great new shopping experience, with a wide selection of quality meat, fish and poultry, as well as an in-store bakery.

"I look forward to welcoming new customers through our doors over the coming weeks and months.

"At the end of the day there is pressure but I have really been looking forward to this.

"So far the feedback has been nothing but positive."

Kathryn Berwick, from Stockton Heath, was the first customer through the doors.

She said: "My husband and I have been waiting a long time for an M&S food hall to come to Stockton Heath.

"The store looks fantastic and I am excited to start buying all my Christmas food."

Stockton Heath Parish Council chairman Cllr Celia Jordan was among those in attendance and admitted she was 'extremely pleased' the retailer decided to come to the village.

A total of 59 staff are employed at the shop, with around 35 on duty today.

It will be open between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Attention now turns to the festive rush and the firm confirmed it was always determined to open in early December to help residents prepare for Christmas.

Christmas food orders can be placed until December 15 and subsequently collected from the store.