There was a warm East End welcome to an assembling crowd at the opening of a new shop.

Shaun Williamson, who played Barry in TV soap EastEnders, cut the ribbon at Leaps and Bounds in the High Street, Deal.

Children with brightly painted faces cheered on the former soap star as he opened the arts and craft shop, which will also be offering work placements for adults with learning disabilities.

Manager Hannah Brooks said: “Shaun was lovely. He spent a lot of time talking to people, signing autographs and having his picture taken. We had a crowd of 100 people turn up.”

Leaps and Bounds will be holding children’s craft sessions throughout the week and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, costing £3 per morning. For more information call 01304 381945.