M&S has announced the opening date for its highly anticipated Foodhall in Strood.

The new addition to the retail park in Commercial Road will create 70 jobs when it open its doors on Wednesday, August 2.

The store, located where B&Q used to be along with Maplin electronics and other retailers, will also include a 44-seat cafe.

The shop will have an in-store bakery making breads, pastries and cakes. Customers will also be able to take advantage of the popular Collect in Store service which provides the option of having M&S.com orders delivered to the store the next day free of charge.

Manager Ryan Clarke said: “The team and I are really excited to be bringing this new M&S Foodhall to Strood while summer is still in full swing.

"We will be the first M&S store to open in Strood and we can’t wait to open our doors to hear the feedback from our new customers within the local community.

“We’ve truly got the very best of M&S food and drink in store, from traditional favourites to seasonal creations.

"We’ll have everything needed in store to prepare a delicious meal – whether its fresh ingredients accompanied by our specialty Cook With range or a seasonal salad to pair with one our prepared meals.

"Our customers will also be able to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink or meal in our cafe while they shop with us.”

The opening hours will be from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

B&M is also due to open at the retail park, with jobs now being advertised online.