One of Westwood Cross’s most popular stores has doubled in size – creating more than 70 new jobs in the process.

Marks and Spencer have added a second floor to the branch, and doubled the amount of retail space.

The store now has 53,000 sq ft of floor space, and a new 120-seater cafe.

Of the 185 staff – most of whom live in Thanet – 71 are new recruits, and 45 of those were unemployed.

Store manager Alex Clarke said: "We’re all really excited about this new development.

"The ground floor is now given over entirely to womenswear and the food hall, which has doubled in size.

"We had a small 40-seater cafe before, which wasn’t really big enough, but the new one upstairs is great.

"Also upstairs, we’ve expanded our menswear range, there’s lingerie, childrenswear and a new customer order point.

"It’s a great sign for Thanet and East Kent in general that M&S were confident enough to invest locally in such a major expansion."

Highlights of the opening weekend included cookery demonstrations and an outside broadcast from kmfm’s Johnny Lewis.

For full story and pictures, see this week's Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday September 14, or click on our e-paper.