AROUND 150 eager shoppers were waiting as the doors opened to the new Marks and Spencer foodhall in Chepstow last Wednesday (December 9).

They were greeted with songs from the Wyedean Gospel Choir and a glass of bubbly from staff.

Store manager Jenny Hall, with the assistance of the Mayor of Chepstow Cllr Dale Rooke, cut the ribbon to officially open the store.

Holding the ribbon were Beverley James and Paul Esherwood who are familiar to local shoppers as they have worked in the 9,000 sq ft building in Thomas Street for some 30 years.

The store is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.

Cllr Rooke said: “Having the Marks and Spencer foodhall in Chepstow is great for the town and I hope other big names will follow.”

Store manager Jenny added: “It’s been a real pleasure to finally unveil our new foodhall in Chepstow and welcome our first customers into the store.”

As part the retailer’s sustainability programme, Plan A, staff will choose a local charity to support over the next 12 months and will organise a variety of fund-raising activities.