The first 25 customers of a city centre shoe shop have been given free footwear to celebrate the £600,000 refurbishment and expansion of the store.

Deichmann in Whitefriars has been closed for several months while the business carried out a major refit and expanded into the first floor, making it the biggest footwear retailer in Canterbury.

It means the newly-re-opened store now stocks 2,000 lines of shoes - 800 more than previously.

Manager Gavin Turner said: “Following a successful re-opening, we’re even more excited for the future of our Canterbury store.

"We’re really looking forward to showing off our new look to our loyal shoppers and continuing to be a well-loved fixture of Whitefriars."

The investment in the store is a retail confidence boost for Canterbury which has suffered a number of recent high profile shop closures, including the latest announcement that Beaverbrooks jewellers is shutting its outlet in Whitefriars.

Deichmann stores are designed for a fast track shopping experience. All shoes and sizes are on display, meaning customers don’t have to wait for assistance and can just themselves to the range.

"The newly-refurbished store will further enhance this experience, ensuring customer convenience is central to shopping for shoes, added Mr Turner."

To celebrate the store’s new look, Deichmann featured special offers for new customers, including free shoes for the store’s first 25 customers, limited edition bags and a ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, giving shoppers the chance to win free shoes and discounts.