Residents of Tunbridge Wells who have been wishing for a Waitrose for years are finally set to get one from this week.

The Shell St John's petrol station is set to share its site with a Little Waitrose after several months of development beginning in January of this year.

The new store will have its official opening at 9.30am on Friday.

Back in 2015, many residents expressed distaste at the opening of a Poundland in Tunbridge Wells, when many wanted a Waitrose.

The day will be marked by a ribbon-cutting, attended by the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Len Horwood and Shell Retail and Alliance Strategy Manager, Ed Hall. The first 1,000 customers who make a purchase in the new store will receive a free Waitrose branded hessian bag.

In addition to their flagship products, the store will include an additional eight parking spaces, an extra Costa machine and an additional toilet.

Ed Hall, Shell UK Alliance and Strategy Manager, said: “We’re pleased to announce the re-opening of Shell St Johns. Working with Waitrose, we are bringing an updated and expanded store to our customers in Tunbridge Wells.

"The service station now offers a great range of products for customers, whatever they need - whether that be grabbing a coffee or quick snack during a rest stop, or picking up groceries for tonight’s dinner.”

Tunbridge Wells' new Little Waitrose adds to the brand's string of stores across Kent, which include ones in Ashford, Canterbury, Gillingham, Maidstone, Paddock Wood, Ramsgate and Greenhithe.