THE ribbon was cut at Marks and Spencer’s Middlebrook store on Friday after a £1.5 million refurbishment.

A new bakery, wider aisles and new displays are all part of the revamp at the eight-year-old outlet.

Staff and customers applauded as store manager Laura Smith and ladieswear manager Nikkita Calvert snipped the tape.

“We’ve got improved choice for our customers and upgraded the clothing department,” said Miss Smith.

Work at the store where up to 200 people are employed has taken three weeks to complete.

The facelift at Middlebrook follows a similar investment at Marks and Spencer’s flagship store in Bolton town centre in November.