MORE than 100 shoppers queued to get a first glimpse of a new Marks & Spencer store.

M&S Foodhall, Ellesmere Retail Park in Walkden, opened its doors on Wednesday and the first people through the door were treated to bucks fizz and mince pies.

Liz Rushton, store manager, said: “We are all very excited to have opened our doors to customers and especially so in time for Christmas.

"To have the town’s brass band join us has also helped get us all into the festive spirit which has been fantastic!

"Customers are at the heart of everything we do at M&S and we are eager to make every moment special for our local shoppers. We’re expecting an incredibly busy few weeks in the run up to Christmas and look forward to welcoming shoppers in-store soon.”

Joining her at the grand opening was a team of 65 colleagues and Salford's Ceremonial Mayor, Cllr Karen Garrido, a former M&S employee.

The much-anticipated store is already proving popular with shoppers, with more than 300 customers visiting in the first hour of trading while the Sale Brass Band entertained customers with Christmas carols.

The store boasts more than 5,500 food and drink lines, along with a selection of flowers, cards and gift wrap, a 44-seat café and in-store bakery.