M&S in Dover's High Street has announced its closure date with a new food-only store opening at the town's multi-million pound retail park the following day.

The popular store will close its doors on Tuesday, May 15 with the new Foodhall offering 6,000 products opening St James Retail Park the next morning.

The new store will not sell clothing unlike the High Street shop but will feature a 48-seat café.

Customers will however be able to use the company's click and collect service allowing clothing and homeware products to be ordered into and returned via the store.

Store manager Chris Tallamy will cut a ribbon at 10am before he and his 50-strong team of colleagues welcome customers inside.

The company has confirmed the majority of staff from the High Street shop are transferring to the new foodstore with the remainder moving to other nearby stores.

Mr Tallamy, who began his career with M&S four years ago, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors at Dover St James soon and we can’t wait to show customers our foodhall.

"We’re already part of the local community here in Dover and are looking forward to our next exciting chapter with the town.

"We want to make every moment special for our customers and we hope to see many familiar faces on opening day to help celebrate with us.

“The community will be at the heart of our store and we’ll be continuing the great partnerships formed at M&S Dover.

"This includes the store’s charity of the year, Parkinsons UK, and food waste partner, Emmaus, both moving with us to the new store at St James Retail Park.”

The store will be open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sundays.