MAYOR Cllr Elaine Sherrington raised a cuppa as Starbucks opened a new drive thru store in Manchester Road, Bolton.

The mayor was on hand to cut the ribbon at the store on Saturday morning, where 16 jobs have been created.

As well as indoor and outdoor seating at the coffee there is free wi-fi for customers

The store provides the perfect place for residents, commuters and shoppers to grab a coffee on-the-go. It also offers relaxing indoor and outdoor seating areas and free Wi-Fi for customers.

As well as civic dignitaries at the opening there were representatives of Guide Dogs UK, the store's charity partner.

During the event, staff hosted a coffee tasting and handed out £1 coffee vouchers to customers coming into the store, giving customers the opportunity to sample their new autumn menu, which includes Starbucks signature Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Store manager Shashi Mahatma, from Starbucks' franchise partner, Soul Coffee House Ltd, said: “We are so excited to have opened our brand-new Starbucks drive thru here in Bolton alongside the mayor and our charity partner, Guide Dogs UK.

"We’re really looking forward to welcoming in new customers and offering samples of our delicious coffee and food menu for everyone to try!”

The store is open from 6am to 10.30pm on weekdays and 7am to 10.30pm at weekends.