The long-awaited M&S Foodhall in Whitstable opened its doors today.

More than 100 customers got their first taste of the new store at 10am following a ribbon cutting ceremony involving all of the new staff.

Eager shoppers were welcomed with a free hot cross bun after queuing in the car park before it opened.

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Shopper Janet Knight, 44, said: “I no longer need to go into Canterbury for my M&S which is a good thing.

“I’m looking forward to driving just the short distance to here from now on.

“The store looks pristine and the opening went very well.”

VIDEO: The grand opening

Located at the new Prospect Retail Park, next to the Estuary View Medical Centre, the M&S has brought 68 jobs to the area.

The new development offers free parking and is open from 8am until 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

M&S also boasts a 40-seat cafe with views over the estuary and an in-store bakery.

The next-door Aldi superstore will open tomorrow at 8am.

The M&S store will be the middle shop of the three, with Aldi being nearest to the Borstall Hill roundabout, and Home Bargains being nearest to the medical centre.

Discount store Home Bargains, which is next to the food hall will open on Saturday, March 4.