CROWDS of customers queued to be among the first to see inside a new Marks and Spencer yesterday.

The new M&S Foodhall, based at Beehive Business Park in Ulverston, opened at 9am where a 60-strong team welcomed customers through the doors.

The store opened a day after the M&S in Barrow closed its doors for a final time after more than a 100 years of trading.

Ulverston M&S Food Hall will be led by former Barrow store manager, Simon Craig, who has worked for the retailer for the past 36 years.

He said: “We’re delighted to open our new store in Ulverston today.

“The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches in store and making sure all our measures are in place to support customers, so they can shop with peace of mind.

“It’s brilliant to now be open and welcome the community – chatting with customers today it’s fantastic to see them get excited about our new summer products, as well as shop for all the essentials.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the team, who have been amazing getting the store ready.

“We’re all so excited to be part of the community and can’t wait to get to know locals better in the coming weeks.”

Gemma Muldoon-Smith from Ulverston was one of the first customers through the doors.

She said: “I’ve been so excited for the opening today as I’m a big M&S fan.

“The range of fresh produce is much bigger than I thought, so it will be a great spot for our weekly shop.

"My family and I will really enjoy shopping here for both dinnertime treats and staples.”

The store has 60 free car parking spaces available.

M&S will be open from Monday to Saturday from 8am until 8pm and Sunday 10am until 4pm.