The official opening of a shopping centre brought thousands of people to Ashford town centre on Saturday for a Spring Spectacular.

The family fun day at Ashford's County Square kicked off at 11am with kmfm breakfast crew Kirstyn and Webbo broadcasting live from the complex.

Hundreds of families gathered outside the Debenhams department store where they were entertained by Titan the Robot and the unusual combination of a brass band dressed as bugs on stilts.

Two fashion shows gave shoppers a glimpse of what the centre has to offer in terms of the latest threads.

Centre manager Frances Burt said half an hour after the event began: "It's only been half an hour and already the place is packed out. I've just tried to walk from the front exit and I had a job to walk through."

Clowns and colourful stilt walkers kept children happy by handing out balloons and goody bags, some containing shopping vouchers were also handed out.

"There are too many stores to mention who have donated goods and prizes for the event," added Ms Burt.

For full story and more pictures, see Thursday's Kentish Express