Big Brother winner and celebrity builder Craig Phillips made a guest appearance at the weekend to officially open the new B&Q store at Whitfield.

Hundreds of eager customers queued to be the first through the door at 10am on Friday as the four longest-serving workers cut the ribbon to let them into the new store at Honeywood Parkway, now one of the largest home improvement shops in the area.

Craig, who shot to fame as the winner of the first series of the reality television programme and now presents his own DIY shows, was there on Saturday for the official opening and to give demonstrations.

A total of 37 new staff, along with 41 existing staff who transferred from the old store at Charlton Green, welcomed the first customers and showed off the 17 shops within a shop contained within the 46,000 square foot store.

Store manager David Fowle said “It’s great to be opening a new and improved store in Dover, 40 years after B&Q opened its first store in Southampton. Now, more than ever we’re focussed on delivering the best range of products at affordable prices, so we really hope the people of Dover are as impressed by the new store as the team here is.”

Customers were treated to 10 per cent off everything across opening weekend as well as face painting, a balloon artist, and a bouncy castle for children, product demonstrations and a raffle.