Kent's newest Marks & Spencer Foodhall has opened its doors.

The store, located where B&Q used to be at Strood Retail Park, has created 70 jobs and will stock more than 5,000 food and drink products.

A queue of eager shoppers watched as new store manager Ryan Clarke cut a golden ribbon to welcome customers inside for the first viewing.

The 34-year-old said: “The team and I are so excited.

“The biggest thing for me is having our 70 colleagues ready to inspire our customers and make every visit special.”

The store also has a 44-seat cafe, bakery and click and collect section inside the shop and free Wi-Fi will be available.

The team have been training at the M&S Foodhall at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.

The opening took place at 10am today.

Coffee shop Starbucks and electronics specialist Maplins is also moving in to the retail park and The Gym Group is due to open there in September.