She was the final customer when Marks and Spencer closed in September 2014, and this morning, 95-year-old Vera Purll was the first through the doors of its replacement.

Today (Thursday) sees the opening of the B&M Homestore in New Road, Gravesend, and Mrs Purll joined Gravesham Mayor Cllr Greta Goatley to cut the ribbon.

At almost 30,000sq ft, it is the largest B&M in the South East and the biggest shop in Gravesend town centre, creating around 80 jobs.

Grandmother Mrs Purll was given a round of applause and a parting gift by M&S staff when the store closed and this morning, B&M store manager Carl Russell welcomed her as the first customer, and presented her with £250 of vouchers.

Mrs Purll had supported the Gravesend Messenger’s Save Our M&S campaign to keep the branch open and managed to get more than 800 signatures on the 2,000-stong petition herself.

Despite shopping at the branch for more than 70 years – she bought her going-away outfit for her wedding there – there are no hard feelings towards the homeware store which has taken its place.

In fact, she was “very excited” about being a guest of honour.

Mrs Purll, of St Benedict’s Avenue, Gravesend, added: “I have heard good things about what B&M has to offer so I am looking forward to opening the new store.

“I was the last shopper when my beloved M&S closed and I’m honoured to be the first B&M Gravesend customer.”

Mrs Purll was nominated for the honour by the M&S store’s former finance and operations manager, James Bozac.

He told B&M: “Vera tried so hard to get a petition signed to keep us open, I think it would be fitting that as she was our last customer she becomes your very first”.

Store manager Mr Russell, said: “B&M bosses have been searching for someone truly deserving to receive an unforgettable morning.

“Vera really stood out for us as she is someone who cares about her local community, particularly this site, and we couldn’t think of anyone better to open our store and become our very first customer.”

Hundreds of customers poured through the doors when they opened at 9am, eager to see what was on the shelves.

And it got the stamp of approval from Mrs Purll.

She said: "There's a real feeling of friendship here. I think it's the kind of place where you could walk round and be welcome whether you buy much or not."

The build has not been without its challenges. There was a 12-week project to remove the asbestos safely, and the fixtures and stock only began to fill the store from September 21.

The store will open seven days a week, 8am-6pm every day except Sundays, when it will open 10am-4pm.

To celebrate the launch, the store is also holding a B&M Big Prize Bonanza, a free game show, this Saturday.

Customers will be in with a chance of winning prizes including a Russell Hobbs vacuum cleaner, B&M vouchers, Cadbury’s chocolates and much more. There will also be a face painter for the children.