This isn't any old store. This is an M&S store.

And it will be ready soon in Maidstone, according to the developer behind the project.

Lance Taylor, the chief executive of the Gallagher Group which is building the store at Eclipse Park near Junction 7 of the M20, said: "It's all good news.

"We're on time and in budget. We are very pleased with the design and the quality of work. We are looking forward to completing the shell and the exterior works by early spring, and M&S will then take about six months to fit and stock the interior."

He said the store will open by October, but it could be before that.

The company, has already landscaped the site to give the plants a chance to establish over winter, and has laid the concrete apron for the service area.

It is currently finishing off the cladding and the glass-work of the main building.

Mr Taylor said: "We're really looking forward to the completion. We think it will be a great benefit to the town."

It was initially due to open this year but was pushed back in April.

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