EAGER shoppers spent the morning queueing up to be the first customers in a new John Lewis store.

The store, part of the £150 million Bond Street development, in Chelmsford opened with a ceremony which was attended by special guests.

The new store measures 90,000 square feet and stocks more than 65,000 products.

The ribbon was cut by branch manager Laura Rawstron and John Lewis partner Stephanie Shields, and the pair were joined by representatives from charities that the store will be supporting in the coming months, including The Lovely Lily-Mae Organisation, Farleigh Hospice and Chelmsford City Mencap Football Club.

Tony Appleton, Chelmsford Town Crier, also attended the ceremony. Chelmsford City Council has extended its park and ride service to 9pm today to allow more people to enjoy the opening and visit the new store.

Laura Rawstron said today marks a very exciting time for John Lewis and the company is delighted to be opening its first store in Essex.

She added: “It’s one of our most modern shops to date and brings together the very best of John Lewis’s products and services.

“Our team of partners have worked incredibly hard to get us to this stage and I’m very proud of everyone involved.

“Together with the Bond Street development, this John Lewis shop will create a new retail and leisure offer that ensures Chelmsford has something for everybody.”

Roy Whitehead, leader of Chelmsford Council, was also invited to the grand opening of the new store.

He said he is excited that John Lewis’s first store in Essex has opened in Chelmsford.

He added: “This new development is much needed to serve Chelmsford’s affluent and growing catchment and it also supports the city council’s ambitious vision for 21st century Chelmsford.”